A/N: Thank you very much to my first reviewer Ravengirl1011! I had kinda given up on this story, with no reviews but you have inspired me to carry on! The first few chapters have been boring, but I wanted to set the tone/characters properly. The chapter after this finally involves some action and will be up from here!. Chapter 4 is here :)

Chapter 4: Better Understanding

"Is there only sports stuff to do? No Art classes? Nothing that doesn't involve too much effort?"

Charlie looked a little lost as he racked his brains, but it was Samuel who answered my question. "I'm going to go to Fencing in a sec.. you two could come? They won't let you run rampant with a rapier first lesson so you wouldn't be doing too much"

Me and Charlie exchanged agreeing looks and nodded. He beamed happily, motioning us out of the dining room and chatting all the way about how much he liked talking to us (strange, since I'd been there for a day) and how excited he was. I gathered that Samuel didn't really have many friends here, and relished the opportunity to socialise. I felt a twang of sympathy – but he had only been here two weeks and didn't really integrate yet.

We followed him out into the entrance hall, and around the left side of the mansion, passing a basketball court and coming to a part of the expansive grounds. The grass, perfectly clipped bushes and array of plants were... perfect – what did I really expect?. A small group of other students were there waiting, and a table that held fencing gear on it stood to the side.

"Professor Wagner isn't here yet obviously... he's a bit rubbish with time" he said with a frightened giggle, perhaps surprised he had actually said it. "He's really cool though! He's a fencing champion you know?. He's taken on some of the best fencers ever, and won! And not only that, he once fought off twenty five guards with just his rapier!" he began to blurt out.

"You really like Professor Wagner then huh?" Charlie said with a smile; Samuel nodded enthusiastically to his question.

"He looks pretty... different by the way Max. He's a bit bossy as well... but he's okay" Charlie explained. I was about to ask a question when all of a sudden, a soft pooft noise caught everyone's attention.

Right next to the table a cloud of purple and black swirling fog like smoke had appeared out of nowhere, along with Professor Wagner. He was tall, and slender, but the casual work out clothes showed muscle. But he was also covered in short dark blue fur, had piercing yellow eyes and a tipped devil's tail. I couldn't but help stare at first.

"Ah hallo students! Come vround, apologies vor my lateness" he called. We were ushered near the front by Samuel, who stood rigid and beaming at the demon like mutant.

"Now, as everyone is zat different ztages, I vant the intermediates in that corner, the mediums in zat corner, and the beginners to me" he said swiftly. His voice only enhanced his slightly intimidating appearance. Me and Charlie exchanged looks – he really was bossy.

It turned out me and Charlie were the only beginners. Samuel stood with the intermediates. "Ah hello zhere Charlie. Who is zis?" Wagner gestured to me with, I realised, a hand that had only two figners, and one thumb.

"This is Max Clarke, he only arrived a day or so ago"

I met the piercing yellow eyes and smiled politely. Wagner regarded me in silence for a few moments and then smiled back, but there was something about it that seemed false. It never seemed to reach his eyes, that smile. And it showed some creepy elongated fangs. "Velcome Max. Ever fenced before?"

Instead of speaking, I just shook my head. I didn't like this guy already.

He smirked at my response like he had been expecting it. "Vell, vhy don't we start first, ja?. I'll show you the basics" the blue furred mutant turned to the table and threw a rapier over to my feet.

"Umm.. Professor Wagner, Max had a bit of a.. accident last night and his ribs are pretty bashed up" Charlie interjected.

"Yeah, I think I should just try out a few moves by myself" I agreed. I still bent down to pick up the blade.

"Don't vorry Charlie.. I'll be nice and gentle" he said. But there was that cold smirk again, and the sneer in his voice wasn't reassuring. By now the other groups were already working among themselves, obviously practicing moves that they had been taught before in pairs.

Before I had chance to say anything, Wagner took up the starting fencing stance, legs apart, one arm out, the other behind his back. "Now, vhatever I try to do, I vant you to simply deflect me. Parry yourself"

I could see Charlie looking a little worried off to the side but I didn't object. This guy obviously thought he was a hotshot. Besides, he was a teacher, he knew about my injury.. he wasn't gonna go ape on me. I nodded in response and copied his stance, trying to ignore the thumping on my ribs.

For a second he simply stood there, in all his blue skinned, yellow eyed glory, perfectly poised. And then, in a cloud of purple and black, he dissapeared. Before I even had a split second to frown in confusion, a bamf resounded and more black and purple smoke shot into my vision. I was met, face to face with the piercing yellow eyes, and with another chilling smirk he swung the rapier round from behind him in a wide arc.

It had all happened so quickly, quite literally in a matter of seconds. I shouted out and with pure instinct, swung my own rapier, grating it against his. Swinging his blade back, he spun with eye blurring speed and back flipped on the spot, landing and then thrusting forwards with a laugh. How did he move so fast?.

I jumped back, instinct kicking in again with another shout, the rubber tipped rapier missing my stomach by inches. I didn't have time to swing back because he swiftly twirled the blade to his other hand and came at me from the side again. With a grunt I stretched, feeling pain along my side, and threw my own blade out desperately. I could hear Charlie gasping.

Bamf!. The tell tale noise and smoke appeared.. and then re-appeared. I didn't even have time to turn before feeling a forcible thwack of the soft side of the blade onto my back. I shouted out at the shock and stumbled forwards before the blue blur that was Professor Wagner flipped over me and landed on my other side. I caught my breath and spun to face him, gritting my teeth.

His hands however were free – his tail was holding his blade. Even in the heat of the moment I couldn't help but gasp. With a loud and triumphant laugh, he spun on the spot, the blade smacking into my bruise.

"Ahhhhh! SHIT!" I roared as pained tears sprung up in my eyes. I dropped the blade to the floor and clutched my side. Charlie ran to my side, holding me up. "Professor! His side! What were you thinking?" he shouted angrily.

I forced myself to breathe slowly and stood up – it wasn't as bad now. "I'm okay.. I think it was just the shock" I muttered, standing straight by myself.

Professor Wagner hadn't said anything yet, he stood still, leaning on one leg with his sword being waved through the air by his tail, arms crossed. "Voops! I completely forgot Max" he said very slowly. Those eyes.. that cold smile.. he really, really didn't like me.

"Well how about next time you remember!" Charlie snapped, casting daggers at the teleporter.

"Calm down Charlie. I think ve all got caught up in the moment eh Max?" he said with a laugh, catching his rapier midair with his hands. I could see a few of the other staring. Oh god! Why couldn't I just not embarrass myself for once?.

"Yeah... whatever" I replied, trying my best to sound a little harsh through the strained pain. "Quite a mover huh"

He obviously detected the sarcasm in my voice, as his eyes narrowed a little. "Ten years of practice comes with perfection. Perhaps next time, I'll try harder and really keep you on your toes"

"I think were done here Professor." Charlie said very sharply. Without another word, Professor Wagner turned on his three footed heel and strode over to his other students.

As we walked back towards the back doors of the mansion I rubbed my side. "What a dick"

"Agreed. Wonder why he hated you so much?" Charlie mused. I simply shrugged. I hadn't the faintest idea.

After that, we made our way back into the mansion. By now it was just past midday, and most people were getting lunch. As I expected as soon as I heard the bell indicating the food was ready, Charlie leapt on the chance to fill himself up again. We grabbed some plates, but with the pounding in my side now worse than this morning, I wasn't really hungry.

We sat in our normal seats, and Charlie began that sickening noise as he almost inhaled his food. "So not only does the blue guy that dissapears hate me, but we haven't actually heard from Reya or Annabell since this morning" I mused "Aren't you worried they've torn each other apart?"

Charlie rolled his eyes as he replied. "Nah, those two are like that. Reya's a monster if she doesn't sleep and Annabell is just... uptight and upset I guess. We'll see them later at dinner. Trust me bro, when you've been here as long as I have, this is normal"

I considered it for a moment. He was probably right, but I didn't realise everyone here was so dramatic, It was quite funny really, I'd come here to get some peace from my parents and it was just as theatrical!.

"What about Bastion? Haven't seen him all day..." I muttered, trying to sound not as disappointed as I felt. He really was something.. and the way he was so full on and intense with his flirting was fun. Back home, I had never had the chance to even think about a boyfriend or love interest, because I was to busy hiding my sexuality from my parents. I could just imagine my mum's face – it would be scandalous. Especially with all her executive friends and the ridiculous suit and tie parties we used to attend.

A flicker of Charlie's eyes told me he had picked up my interest, but he carried on. "Bastion isn't around much on weekends, he's always out in the city doing something. Can't imagine what though.. he never mentions any other friends or family in the city"

"Well.. apparently he doesn't mention much with his lack of talking" I replied, deciding I really couldn't eat much. My side was becoming irritating now.

"Maxy! Maxy!" came the voice of Reya. She was striding over, her hair in a set of neat pigtails complete with bows. She was obviously back to her four year old self again with no trace of this morning. I cringed a little at the name.

"Hey Reya! You a bit more awake now?" I said with a laugh, turning on the bench to talk to her. She laughed too, actually stamping her feet. Oh god.

"You betcha! Anyways, I came to tell you something. But you gotta guess!" she shrieked with that sickeningly young smile. I sighed inside.

"Can't you just tell me?"

"But wheres the fun in that! Guess guess guess!" she chirped.

"Really Reya?.. It could be absoloutley anything..." I sighed.

"Oh fine then, I'll tell you..." she said with a dramatic roll of her eyes. "Professor Xavier wants to see you when your done at lunch!" and with that she stalked off to get some food.

"I wonder what thats about?" I said, turning back to my food and deciding to wolf it down.

"Hmm.. probably to see how your doing, and normally to talk with you more in depth about your powers. He spoke to a lot of us when we first arrived. Hey! You could tell him about Wagner!"

I thought about it for a moment and then shook my head. "Nah... Wagner would only use it as an excuse to be more of a dick next time I see him. Besides.. I don't like telling tales"

Charlie looked a little concerned. "But he pretty much beat you up..." I decided to not reply, and finished the last of my lunch.

"I'll probably be on the basketball courts or watching TV.. come find me afterwards" I waved over my shoulder and tried to remember my way to the office of Professor Xavier.

I knocked lightly on the handsome door, and opened it slowly as I heard Charles Xavier's calm voice from the other side. I stepped into the familiar round room, lined with expanses of books, and I found myself remembering why Xavier had left such an impression on me in the first place. Even in a high tech hover chair, and behind the obelisk desk – he still looked so.. intense.

Despite the dark depths of his eyes and the stare that made me feel see – through he had a welcoming smile on his face. "Max, please, take a seat" he gestured with a nod and I fell into the chair with a nervous kind of smile. He was just so imposing, he gave off an air of authority and knowledge, as if he were a wizened old shaman. The crisp black suit only strengthened this feeling.

"How are you settling in then?" he asked simply.

"Really well. I'm enjoying it so much, I feel at home" I found myself gushing slightly under the analyzing stare. "I mean.. I'm getting along with everyone well so far. And I feel so much more relaxed... no more pretending or hushing anything up"

It seemed to please Xavier, as he nodded with a large grin. "I'm glad to hear that. I had a feeling when you arrived Max, that you would feel a lot more able to cope here than at home. Talking of which, have you spoken to your parents at all yet?"

I gulped slightly as twangs of guilt strung inside me like I was a big guitar. I had thought about them over the past two days, but something had stopped me from calling them. I cleared my throat, trying to bring myself out of my guilty gloom. "No, not yet Professor. I think... I think its still too raw" I said quietly.

"Like I said, call me Xavier" he said, still staring intently. "I understand Max. When you are ready, you may contact them. But remember, it may be a work in progress"

I sat and contemplated those words for a while. I had been fantasizing about calling my parents and my mother to burst into tears down the phone, confessing she missed and loved him, and she had been wrong to take disdain to her own son. I knew, deep down, it would be very different.

"Now, I must confess that wasn't the only reason I disturbed you from your Sunday activities Max. Have you any idea what else I might need to talk to you about?" Xavier said, in his ever quiet but so rigid and strong voice.

"Errm.. is it to with my powers?" I asked.

A knowing smile spread across Xavier's imposing face. "Yes... Charlie informed you perhaps?" I nodded, opening my mouth to ask if he had used telepathy to know that.

"I made sure Charlie knew of the correct procedure of initiating new students, I didn't want you to think you were in any trouble" he said. I felt myself sit up a little straighter. I didn't know a lot about my powers, as every time I had activated them had caused me to black out and not remember anything.

"Now, as I said when we briefly spoke before, I am pretty sure you are producing telekinetic energy, or using telekinesis to some degree. Could you describe again what your mother told you, the time she found you?" he leaned forwards in his mechanical chair, his bald hair catching the sunlight coming through the window.

"Right.. well, it was about a month before I started speaking to Charlie. But it wasn't the first time it had happened" I started. "I can remember last year near summer, I started waking up at night and my head ached so much I could have cried. At first I thought it was a migraine or exam stress or something, but then one night I blacked out. I just remember this unbearable pain... and then when I woke up, half the stuff in my room was smashed, and the other half was floating around." Xavier nodded, taking the information in.

"And it was all surrounded by a purple glow. At first I thought I was hallucinating, but I got up off the floor and everything dropped back to the floor. So I just tried to convince myself it was the headache still affecting me, but I kept blacking out after, and everything would be smashed up."

"Then one time I had a seriously bad headache, so I must have been shouting or something, because I got woken up by my Mum. And she was screaming at me, and when I woke up, everything was purple... because I had this purple, transparent dome over me, and stuff everywhere was floating. And then I started getting really confused and shouting, and my hands were tingling. I looked down and the purple stuff was flying out of my hands, smashing stuff" I said, my voice growing more and more quiet as I remembered the horrible night. I could feel my throat getting dry.

"Eventually I must have blacked out again, but when I woke up, I remembered that. So did Mum and Dad... and thats it" I said. Thats how my parents found out, and thats how my Mum ended up hating me, and thats why I'm here.

"Yes. Now you must understand I am fairly clued up when it comes to matters of the mind, but not having seen your powers in action I cannot verify my claim. However, if you were to let me scan your mind briefly I am sure I will be able to confirm my suspicion" he said.

I must have looked a little confused as he carried on.

"By scanning, I mean to let me tap into your mind very briefly and just skim through it to see if your sub concious has the answer to my question. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt one bit" he said with a soft laugh.

The thought of having someone actually scan through my mind like it were a magazine sounded a little daunting, but despite only meeting him twice.. I had to say I felt an instant kind of trust towards Xavier. He had a way about him.

After agreeing he steered his chair from around the desk and towards me, and asked me to close my eyes and relax. Easier said then done when you know someones about to scan your mind. However, as soon as I felt his firm finger touch my forehead it was as if I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

I opened my eyes quickly and gasped as if I was emerging from a icy bath. I jerked up in my seat. "Calm down Max" I heard the reassuring and strong voice of Xavier and adjusted my vision to see him sat opposite me in his robotic chair, leaning back as he took his fingers from my head.

"That was wierd" I said slowly, sitting up straight.

"Most people say that" he said with a small smile "It is slightly odd, but I've managed to find what I was looking for"

I simply focused myself more onto what he was saying. "You are able to generate telekinetic energy in vast amounts... in fact I haven't seen amounts like that since Hellion" he said slightly to himself as well as me. Hellion? Was that some sort of bad guy?

"Hellion was a student here for a while, he was also an adept user of telekinesis. He was very very powerful. From my brief scan I would say you were almost the same level as him" he said slowly. I was powerful... very powerful by the sounds of it.

"Well, you will be. But what you have to understand about mutant powers that concern your mind Max, is that they develop slowly. Your mind is not something to be rough with, and so your subconscious instantly creates.. psychic blocks, shall we call them, to stop your powers from flaring up all at once and burning your mind out" Xavier explained, casually.

I felt my jaw drop. "Burn.. Burn out?" I said quietly.

"Don't worry Max, your own mind has already created these blocks, so you've no need to worry. I don't mean to worry you. Progressively, as you use your powers more and more and gain a better control, these blocks will be eroded down" I simply nodded, a little phased.

He wheeled his hover chair over to behind his desk again, giving me the x-ray stare again. "Now, I understand you are probably still slightly confused, but all the questions will be answered in time. Generally, once we have a basic knowledge of a new student's powers we ask them to partake in a lone Danger Room session, to see how far they can push themselves and so on" Danger Room? That work sparked a memory from the day before. Bastion had mentioned it 'You'll have to wait until your first Danger Room session..'.

"What exactly is the Danger Room?"

A knowing and amused smile spread across Xavier's face. "You'll have to wait and see tomorrow morning Max. You are free to leave now"