Chapter Three:

Storm's Charge


Meanwhile on the opposite side of the country, Storm and Jean were hunting down their wards in San Jose California.

Storm had been directed to a local roller rink. There was a young woman on her way to the food court. She had shoulder length light brown hair and brown eyes. Her deep tan complexion identified her as Native American. She was the subject of the photo Professor Xavier had shown Storm earlier that day. Storm made her way over to the table where the girl had taken a seat.

She sat down at the booth and looked across the young girl trying to concentrate on her Moose Tracks ice cream. She looked up at the woman in confusion and fear.

"Excuse me," Storm began gently. "Are you Carmen Turner?" The girl nodded.

"Yes," she said warily. "Why do you ask?"

"My name is Ororo Munroe," the older woman explained. "I was sent by Professor Charles Xavier, to offer you the opportunity to join his school for children with extraordinary abilities."

Carmen looked around nervously and leaned over to Ororo.

"How do you know about my powers," she lowered her voice to a whisper.

"I'm not sure this is the right time to explain that issue," Storm said. "But if you would come back to the school with me, if for just a brief visit, I'm sure Professor Xavier would be more than happy to explain everything. It is, of course, only an option. I won't force you to do anything, but I think it would be in your best interest to learn to harness your powers. Why, what if you were to blink out one day and not be able to rematerialize?"

The girl looked frightened as ever as her plastic spoon fell to the floor.

"Alright," Carmen agreed, and then added. "Where is this school anyway?"

"That's the only problem," Storm admitted. "How are you with planes?"