Crystal had felt herself drift in and out of sleep on the journey, but she had woken in time to see the mansion she would be residing in for the next week. She had not been able to rest peacefully, but that was nothing new to her. She hadn't managed to get a full night's sleep since her first fight in the facility.
Even in the dark, she could see it was a thing of beauty. As they came down the neat drive lined with trimmed confers either side, she couldn't help but think that it looked like a location straight out of the romance novels she'd been forbidden to read.
As she was absorbing the sheer majesty of the building, the professor spoke to her softly. 'I'm aware you are tired, but there is someone I would like you to meet before you're shown to your room. She will hopefully be able to answer a lot of your questions.'
Peter took the car into the garage and got the professor's chair. As he did this, Crystal slowly composed herself and edged her way out of the vehicle. She fell into step with Peter as they walked behind the professor. He must have sensed her nervousness; he caught her hand with his and mouthed 'don't worry'. His relaxed attitude was infectious. Still, then she imagined it must be easy to be relaxed about whatever might happen when you can move faster than what everyone else can think.
She was taken into what she assumed was the professor's office. It was hidden by a large oak door that screamed grandeur. Once the door opened, she saw a dark-haired teenager sat on a red sofa. She was in her pyjamas, which made Crystal wonder if the professor had called her out of bed.
'Crystal, this is Tessa. Also known as Sage. Sage has a particular talent for understanding mutations and DNA. She'll be able to point us in the right direction.' As the professor gave the introductions, Tessa turned to face the trio. She stood in a state of shock. The professor dropped his smile and seemed to age in an instance.
'Tessa, are you absolutely sure?'
She nodded, 'Professor, I don't get it wrong.'
'Thank you. I'll take it from here Tessa. You may go back to bed'.
Tessa walked past the three of them to reach the door. Crystal was sure she looked at her with a sense of fear and uncertainty. It filled her with dread, she couldn't imagine what could possibly cause the girl such a strong reaction.
'Well Crystal, Tessa has seen some interesting information in your DNA. I'm not sure how to word this. You may want to sit down. Peter, thank you for your work this evening. You won't be needed again tonight.'
Crystal took the seat that Tessa had vacated, while Peter turned on his heels. 'Night professor. Crystal, cya in the morning.' He caught the desperation in her eyes. He wanted to ask the professor to let him stay, but the hard-line on his face suggested Peter had to leave the room immediately.
The professor circled himself so that he was facing Crystal. He spoke softly and sincerely to her. 'This is difficult...I read your file while you slept. You were created in the X-facility as part of an experiment. Tessa saw in your DNA that you have been subject to several experiments during your life to enhance and encourage new mutations. Unfortunately, that is the least complicated part of your history. Your DNA isn't entirely human or even mutant for that matter. Your mother is not a mutant. If Stryker's file is to be believed, she is part of an alien race called the Inhumans. She was found and captured by the X-facility while on a mission. I'm so sorry, but she was tortured and died shortly after you were born.' He paused. Crystal knew he could tell she was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information.
She couldn't believe him. What he was saying was absurd. Her mother wasn't an alien. Aliens didn't exist. And even if they did, why would one come to earth on a mission and let themselves get captured? She needed to make sure she'd heard him right. 'You're saying my mother is an alien?' He nodded. 'That doesn't make any sense. I would know. Surely, I would feel different. And if it is true, where was my father while this was happening? Surely he wouldn't just abandon his wife and child.'
'Well, that's where the difficult part comes into play'. The professor looked nervous now. What could be more complicated than the story he had presented? 'It seems that the Colonel in charge at the time wanted to use your mother to create super soldiers. They choose mutants that were powerful in different abilities, stealing DNA samples from them unwillingly and unknowingly and combined them with your mother's DNA. You were the only successful child to be created in the lab. Your parents' DNA was the only compatible pairing.'
Crystal gasped as she realised what he was saying. 'You said I was called the Xavier project'.
The professor nodded at her again. 'I did. Originally, I thought it was because Stryker had raised you to kill me. It's nice to know that's not the case, is it not?'
Her brain was about to explode under the weight of information. How was this possible? How did this man have a child and not know?
'There are a lot of nights from the fifties, in my university days, that I can't quite recall. It's overwhelming, I agree.' He paused again. This time it seemed he was allowing himself time to compose as opposed to her. 'Please know that you are welcome to stay here as long as you need to. We can offer you support and guidance in developing your mutations. There is more to you, Crystal. You have the potential to be one of the most powerful mutants on the planet. Not many have power as strong as yours. I hope you can learn to control them because if you were to lose control if you acted out of anger and rage, you could do all sorts of damage.'
She could tell his monologue was over. She wanted to break the ice. The heavy conversation was too much for her. 'What do you want me to call you?' It was a ridiculous question, but it was the only one she could think of.
'Professor will be fine. However, we do need to give you a room in line with your namesake. At least while you settle in. My mother's old room is available. I'm sure you'll be comfortable there. It's out of the way from the hustle and bustle of the main school. I'm sure you will appreciate the silence after the lack of privacy you are used to.' He mentally gave her visual directions to the room.
'Thank you, professor, for everything you've done this evening. I do appreciate it.'
'You're welcome. I only wish I could do more.' There was a hint of remorse on his voice.
'Professor, you didn't know. It's not your fault.'
He smiled at her and nodded. It was forced and left her feeling incredibly uncomfortable. 'Thank you, Crystal. Please close the door behind you.' With that, she left the room.
Peter knew he should have gone straight to his room, but he was too intrigued by the newest resident of the mansion and decided eavesdropping would be a better use of his time. He hadn't expected to hear what he'd heard. The idea that the professor was a father. Holy shit!
Crystal walked out of the room with a tear glistening on her soft skin.
'You ok?' He didn't know how to comfort her. It wasn't one of his skills, but he didn't like that she was upset.
'I'm just tired, I want to lay down and try to sleep'.
Try and sleep? Odd choice of words. Maybe she was a night owl. If she was, she was bound to run into Kurt. Had she met blue mutants before? Even if she had, Kurt popping up out of nowhere could scare even the bravest of residences. He didn't want her waking everyone up in terror. Better safe than sorry. 'I'll walk you to your room. It's on the floor above the students'.
They walked in silence. Peter watched her hand run along the bannister. She had a quiet demeanour about her that, even while devastated, gave an air of elegance. He usually struggled with this slow pace but watching her graceful movements were oddly soothing. As they reached her room, he decided to act gentlemanly and opened the door for her. She slid past him, her shoulder accidentally brushed against her arms. Her touch felt like an electric shock running throughout his body. His mouth went instantly dry. His eyes followed her as she surveyed the room she had entered. He couldn't help but lower his eyes to her hips. The cream, lace gown she wore hugged her body and accentuated her curves. He wasn't one for ogling, and he didn't want to make her uncomfortable, but, he couldn't deny her body was gorgeous.
'Is there anything you need?' He had to break the silence.
'Something to sleep in would be great.' She was still taking in the room. It was a lot larger than rooms usually given to students and staff. The professor had it ready for any guest that may stay over. Peter has always thought that the professor hoped his father would occupy it and join him in running the school.
Peter whizzed off to his room, grabbed a t-shirt and was back before she had turned to face him. He handed it to her, their fingers brushing together.
'Who's Rush?' She asked, examining the shirt.
'What! We're going to have to give you a musical education while you're here.'
'Sorry, listening to music wasn't really allowed. The only music I've ever heard was when Stryker had me learn how to dance for that ridiculous party.' Her eyes dropped to the floor briefly. 'Could you turn around?'
He heard her heavy dress fall to the ground and three seconds afterwards, she gave a slight cough letting him know it was safe to turn back around. God. She was sat in his t-shirt with her long, luscious legs curled under her. He had never seen anything more tantalising in his life. She undid her hair from its French roll and let her curls drape across her shoulders.
He needed to leave and create some space between them. Crystal was too tempting to stay any longer. She was vulnerable, and it had been a long night.
'I'll leave you to sleep then.' He turned to leave, closing the door behind him when her delicate voice stopped him.
'Peter', she looked hesitant, 'would you sit with me? I have a slight issue with sleeping. I just...' her voice fell to an inaudible whisper.
'You don't need to tell me if you don't want to. I'll sit with you until you fall asleep.'
He edged himself onto the bed, kicking off his shoes. Crystal laid down at his side and closed her eyes. After a few minutes, he heard her breath had softened, and he realised she was asleep. He didn't want to move. Now he had sat down, he realised he was exhausted from the day's events and needed to rest. He placed his arm around her waist and shuffled into a more comfortable position. The last thing he recalled was the sensual smell of honey radiating from her hair.