Title: Awakening
Author: IceAngel8
Disclaimer: None of the X-Men characters, except for Linda, aka Ripple, belong to me.
Rating: PG:13
Feedback: Yup, I would definitely love to see what you thought! So start reviewing ;)
Summary: A new mutant arrives at the Institute, bringing many changes along with her. Linda, a beauty with dark brown hair and mischievous green eyes, comes to the Institute to get help focusing and mastering her power. Scott Summers is assigned to be her guide around Bayville High, where Charles Xavier has enrolled her in, and soon begins to feel an undoubtable attraction toward Linda. Linda returns Scott's feelings and they begin to date, much to Jean's dismay. When the X-Men, including Linda, take a camping trip in the woods, they don't expect to find the Brotherhood there too. A heated argument between Scott and Lance break outs and the two begin to show off their powers. Between Scott's deadly lasers and the ominous rumbling of the earth caused by Lance, the X-Men and Brotherhood are in serious trouble. Linda and Kitty are knocked unconscious and the ground rips the two groups apart. Suddenly Jean is faced with a hard decision. Should she save Linda, on the verge of death, and let any possible romantic future with Scott be diminished or should she let her die?
Author's Notes: After watching X-Men United, the sequel, I felt a strong pull to create a character and place them into the Xavier Institute, but back when they were all teens in X-Men Evo. Now, this character isn't based on myself in anyway! She doesn't even have my physical qualities, except for very dark brown hair like mine. Also, her talents all came from my mind, not my life. Although I am quite flexible and agile, I am no way like Linda in the story. Plus, I dislike ballet. I am more of a karate person, a fighter. And although Linda's power is extraordinary and I wouldn't mind having it, my favorite character in X-Men Evo is Shadowcat!
AN2: My favorite pairings of all time on X-Men Evo is Lance/Kitty and Jean/Scott but for the purposes of this fic, I brought in a beautiful, charming, flirty girl that will soon turn both of these guys' heads. That's why I started this fic, to delve into the romantic relationships of four vastly different mutants and how their lives would change when a beautiful stranger arrived. Enjoy!
Part 1
Linda Goldstein stared up at the mansion in wonder and nervous excitement. She was finally here, about to be under the instruction of the world's greatest intellectual, Charles Xavier. He was a powerful mutant and taught other younger mutants how to develop their powers and use them to their advantage, instead of the powers controlling them. That was why Linda had come here, to Bayville, a quaint little town so very unlike New York, where she'd been born and raised. Linda had been fourteen years old, studying at her best friend's, Stacy's, house. With no warning, the air had rippled, pushing back Stacy and throwing her right through the window and down two stories. Both girls had screamed bloody murder, until the shatter of the window glass cut off Stacy's voice. Linda had raced to the window and stared down helplessly as her best friend plummeted toward the ground and hit it with a sickly thud. Linda had kept screaming, as white as a ghost and in horrified shock.
Everything went by quickly afterwards. The screams had brought Stacy's father upstairs to his daughter's bedroom only to find the window completely broken, glass scattered about everywhere, and no sign of Stacy. Linda had run to him, crying hysterically, her words all rushed and confusing. But he had understood, somehow, and immediately ran downstairs, already calling 911 on his cellular phone. Stacy had been rushed off to the hospital, with Linda riding in another ambulance behind her. Stacy had several broken ribs, a twisted ankle and a concussion that kept her in a coma for about a month. Her doctor said there would be no permanent memory loss, for which Linda was deeply thankful. She knew it had been her doing, the air changing the way it did, sending Stacy flying out through to the window and possibly, to her death. Her parents had also suspected it and after many lengthy conversations, they had contacted Charles Xavier, who promised to help their daughter control this newfound power and ultimately adjust to it. The Goldstein family agreed to let Linda live in Bayville for the remainder of her sophomore year in high school, and so here she was.
Suddenly the front doors swung open and a beautiful redheaded girl stepped out, wearing a black spaghetti strapped tank-top and jeans. Her electrifying green eyes fixed onto Linda's and she glanced at her curiously before a smile lit up her face.
"You must be Linda Goldstein, right? We've been waiting all morning for you!" The girl said, jogging lightly up to Linda and extending her hand. "I'm Jean Grey. Welcome to the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters."
"Hi, Jean." Linda said, smiling genuinely at the stranger. "So everyone has powers here?"
"Yeah, all of us came here to be taught skills on how to use them." Jean nodded, still smiling. "Everyone here has some kind of different power and we're all friends, as well as roommates. Actually, your room happens to be right beside mine, so we can get to know each other better sometime."
Linda grinned back at her. "Yeah, I'd really like that."
"Well come on then, the Professor is waiting for us in the Danger Room. He wants to see what you can do, Linda." Jean said, leading the way up the stairs and into the cavernous greeting hall.
"Danger Room?" Linda asked, confused. She followed Jean past the grand, sweeping staircase with its gold banisters and into the elevator that was hidden behind a corner.
"The Danger Room is where we do our daily morning routine. It's an exercise room. You will be demonstrating your power there today. We all use our powers there, because it's the safest place in the house to do so without causing any destruction." Jean informed Linda, pushing a button on the control panel. It flashed once and then glowed a bright red.
Linda nodded, holding onto a silver bar that was fastened to the wall as the elevator headed downward. "So, uh, Charles Xavier wants me to show him what I can do?" she asked and Jean nodded, brushing a lock of her hair away from her eyes. "Well, you see I don't really know how to call upon my power. It came out once, a year ago, and I haven't, uh, used it since."
Jean didn't miss a beat. "The Professor will call upon your power. The Danger Room is designed for practically every situation, so therefore, for your power to come out, we will run a series of experiments and see which triggers your power."
"I have seen my power at work, Jean. It's dangerous. It nearly killed my best friend. I don't think I want to put a bunch of other teenagers in such danger."
"I know about Stacy. The Professor filled us all in, a little. But don't worry about harming anyone. You're here at the Institute to learn how to do just the opposite. Today's demonstration will not cause anyone any damage." Jean replied.
Linda smiled uneasily, a little angry that the Professor had discussed such a personal thing with the rest of the students that lived at the mansion. But something about Jean told her that she wasn't just any average mutant living at the Xavier Institute. There was something about the attractive redheaded girl that made you look twice, something behind the exterior that was interesting and mysterious, drawing you in. Linda shook her head a little and concentrated on the numbers above her head as the elevator slowed and finally came to a stop.
"We're here." Jean announced as the doors whooshed open and they were greeted with a long, silver hallway, which looked like something from a sci-fi movie to Linda.
The girls walked down the hallway, their footsteps silent on the shiny, silvery metallic floor. A door at the other end clicked open as they neared and Jean quickly led the way inside. A bald, intelligent man sitting in a wheelchair was waiting for them at the entrance.
"Hello, Linda. Welcome to the Institute." He said, in a voice that was deep, strong and steady.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Xavier." Linda said, shaking his offered hand. Immediately it felt like something was tingling at the edges of her mind, just above the surface, but close enough to dive right into her mind and explore her thoughts. She withdrew her hand instantly.
The man smiled apologetically at her. "I am quite sorry about that, Linda. It's a natural reflex when I meet new people. I meant you no harm. And please do call me Professor. Charles Xavier sounds too stuffy," He said and grinned at her. Linda took in his smile and immediately felt at ease, her past anger and doubt fading.
"So we're here to see what I can do, huh?" Linda asked, dreading the answer somewhat. Images of that fateful afternoon were fresh and clear in her mind, of Stacy smashing the window by body impact and then hitting the ground and looking as if she were really dead.
"Yes, we are. I have set up an obstacle course for you to run through. It is set at the easiest level right now but it will go up higher as you will begin to train here. Well, all right then, we can start. But first, have you ever done gymnastics or aerobics before?" The Professor pushed a button on a small panel beside his arm and the wheelchair started slowly forward. Jean and Linda followed, one girl on each side of him.
Linda perked up at the sound of gymnastics and aerobatic activity. "I started doing ballet and gymnastics around the age of six. I'm very limb and flexible and I can do all sorts of things, like cartwheels, cannonballs, back flips, somersaults. I stopped when I was thirteen because school was taking up a lot of time but I haven't forgotten anything. My old instructor always told me that once you become a gymnast, you will always remain a gymnast. She was right."
"That is excellent. You will not have to be trained in that aspect then. It seems like to me, from what you have told us, that you will do fine on the obstacle course, along with your power, of course. Although your power plays a major role in your survival and completion of the training courses here at the Institute, every student at this school is a trained acrobat. Being physically capable to jump and leap and dodge weapons is very important and crucial." Professor Xavier said, smiling at his newest recruit.
The young mutant's face lit up with unsuppressed joy at the Professor's words. Gymnastics had been her world, her entire life, before junior high school and through the beginning of it. And yet, even though she'd stopped at the age of thirteen, in eighth grade, her body was as agile as a cat's. She was graceful, flexible and as deadly as an arrow. Precision had been the key word at her ballet and gymnastics school and Linda had definite precision.
"We're ready, Jean. I'll position Linda inside the course. You go up to the control room and tell Logan that we are almost ready to proceed." Prof. Xavier said and then gently steered Linda by the arm the rest of the way. There was another hallway between the first door and the second, and when they cleared both, they entered a sort of chamber, high ceiling and cavernous. There was a track running around the outer length of the circle that was the chamber.
"This the Institute's Danger Room. All training and exercises are done here, expect for outdoor training, obviously. Now, just right here and focus on the objects that will start appearing when Logan starts the course."
"Who's this Logan?" Linda's green eyes were puzzled as she asked the telepath.
"Logan is a mutant, but genetically created. His codename is Wolverine and he trains most of the X-Men because he is exceptionally fit and trained in combat. You will have you're first training session with him bright and early tomorrow morning at 6 A.M. sharp." The Professor answered her question, his voice smooth and fast paced.
Linda suddenly realized that this Institute, nor this man, were any joke. They were all seemingly serious and focused, even the pretty redheaded girl named Jean. Everything was organized here and Linda guessed that slacking off and not following the rules were a big put-off in this household. She was a New York City girl, a party child. Being born and raised in the big city, Linda hadn't been the type of teenage girl to go to the library, take out books and occasionally go out for lunch with her friends. Nope, definitely not. She had been the type to never be at home, to always have something planned, a movie, dinner, a party... she was only at home to sleep, eat, but that was quite unusual for Linda, and to do schoolwork. School and assignments had never been one of her strong suits but she did her homework and projects to the best of their ability. Not getting higher than average grades hardly bothered her and Linda lived by the rule that average is better than nothing.
She knew, now, that her schoolwork would have to improve while she lived here. There would be no more nights filled with plans and dates and chattering friends. Jean had mentioned, and now even the Professor, that their were training sessions in the morning, some as early as six , like the one she had for tomorrow with the Logan guy. Linda had a feeling that she would be sitting at home most nights, surrounded by books and the other mutant teenagers. Well, it can't be all bad, she thought. You will have permanent roommates right down the hall! Linda had two sisters, but both were away, studying at prestigious universities, hoping one day to have successful careers and big families. One of her sisters wanted to be a pediatrician and the other a scientist in disease research. Linda had known, almost from birth, that she would never measure to up to her older sisters. Her parents had reassured her almost her entire life, pleading with her to pay more attention in school and excel in her studies. Linda simply wasn't interested in what they were offering. She felt that there was something big, waiting out there for her. And at fourteen years old, she discovered it. Linda Goldstein could do something like no one else; she was a mutant.
"Linda, focus on the task, please." The Professor said, but he wasn't standing beside her anymore. Linda glanced around herself in shock, wondering where the bald man had gone. And how she had still heard him. "Behind you," she whipped around and found him sitting in a small alcove next to the exit. He smiled at her and pointed his finger towards the course that was slowly folding out in front of her.
She turned right around and looked up in amazement. There were several bars and small walls set up in the middle of the track, a sort of bridge crossing over a real river, big blocks that shifted around every few seconds and the least expected, most extraordinary thing: three lasers pointing directly at her, ready to shoot.
"This is a simple track, with all the usual obstacles set up. You have to clear this in sixty seconds or less. Good luck," Charles said and sat back to watch.
Linda gritted her teeth and focused all her energy on what was ahead. A buzzer sounded loudly and she was off, letting instinct and years of training in ballet and gymnastics overtake her. She cleared the bars and medium height walls in seconds, leaping high over them in single bounds. The shifting blocks were a little tricker but she managed, somersaulting from one to the other. The bridge was easy and she practically flew over it, not realizing that the intent of the bridge had been to knock her off her balance and throw her in the water below. When she neared the lasers, Linda knew that she would be required to use her power. She squinted her eyes and thought back to the afternoon her best friend had almost died. The air instantly rippled, like an underwater mirage. The lasers were knocked backwards, exploding as they did, putting them out of commission, and Linda ran the rest of the way, until she reached the finish line.
"That was thirty five and a half seconds. Not bad, kid," A gruff, muscular man said, leaning back against the Danger Room wall. "That power of yours is quite strong. Let's see what Chuck's gotta say about my nickname for you,"
"What do you mean, my nickname? My friend's call me Lin, short for Linda. I don't think I need another one." She said, slightly out of breath. She pushed a strand of sweaty hair out of her eyes and gave the man a once-over.
He was handsome, in a rugged sort of way, with big bulging arm and leg muscles and the most profound biceps that Linda had ever seen. His eyes, a dark blue, were animalistic and yet compassionate. He looked as if he worked out heavily everyday and could pack a mighty punch, Linda thought.
"Logan, what was Linda's workout time?" Prof. Xavier rolled his wheelchair over to them and gave the younger mutant a nod. "That was quite an impression you made on me. I've never seen anyone so comfortable with the bars, blocks or walls. And your power ... well it was amazing to watch, I'll say."
"Thirty five and a half seconds, Chuck. Little miss ballerina here knows how to work the blocks and such. She somersaulted right over them." Logan said, looking quite impressed. "But I couldn't figure out her power. It sure did knock the lasers out, but how is the question."
"Linda's power is a large energy field. It triggers when she's angry, or under pressure. Her power is amazing, actually. It's like Jean's power, but Jean controls her telekinesis with her mind. Linda doesn't have to." The Professor said.
"I don't understand, Professor. My power kind of makes the air ripple and shift and sends things flying backward. How is that related to telekinesis? "
"Okay, then, let me explain. You know how telekinesis works, correct?" He paused and Linda nodded that she did. "Well, Jean can control objects and people by using her mind. Your power is almost telekinetic because you send things backward. It's like a mental shove that Jean can give you, but you also can give someone a shove backwards, but your power will cause the air to shift and change. Do you understand me now?"
"Yes, I do. So how can I use my power to help me? What if I need it to defend me? And if I do join you're X-Men team, what good can I do?" Linda asked in a rush, nervous as she waited for a response.
Charles Xavier smiled happily. He hadn't wanted to push Linda and ask her to join the X-Men right away, but after seeing her on the obstacle course just minutes earlier, the way that she had easily moved throughout it and then used her power on the lasers, it was no doubt that he wanted her to become an X-Man.
"We would absolutely love to have you as a member of the team. You're power will grow and expand and I can assure you right now, you won't be a force anyone will want to reckon with. What you have is unique, a mutant power that is very unusual. With that aside, you will need to train to be an X-Man. Combat skills, as well as improving your power, are among the things you will learn. Logan will guide you in your training and when you are ready, you will join the team and their workouts."
"Maybe we should get in a little practice now, Chuck. It wouldn't hurt the kid. Me and the little ballerina here can test this power out, see what she's made off. How about it, Linda?" Logan said, flexing his muscles, a smirk on his face. The smirk hadn't been intentionally mean, Logan just didn't smile at anyone really. "Think you can handle a session with me?"
Linda met his hard, stone-like gaze with her own. Her dazzling green eyes looked mischievous and she could feel the blood pumping in her veins, her muscles tense and ready, itching to let loose. "Sure." she said, grinning. "I'll show you what I'm made off, Logan."
"I think you met your match, Logan. Well, then, I'll leave you to your session. Logan, now, don't overstress Linda. She's going to Bayville High tomorrow, it's her first day and she needs a good night's sleep." Professor Xavier said, winking at Logan. "There is a suit in the control panel that should fit you." he finished and then wheeled his chair away, giving both a smile before he left.
Ten minutes later, both Linda and Logan were suited up. After he'd dressed, Logan had run to the library, where he knew the Professor would be spending his afternoon and the two of them had debated on Linda's codename as an X-Man. Finally, with the Beast and Storm's approval, they had chosen "Ripple" as Linda's codename. It would fit her perfectly, they decided, because of the way her power worked. She caused a ripple effect on the air, like a stone would have on the smooth surface of a lake, and therefore would be called Ripple by her teammates and mentors.
Storm accompanied Wolverine into the Danger Room and was introduced to Linda Goldstein, their newest recruit and already a member of the X-Men.
"Hello, dear, my name is Storm. That is my codename. The real name is Ororo. It's a pleasure to meet you." The beautiful mocha skinned woman said, shaking Linda's hand with a firm grip. "The Professor and all of my the teachers here at the Institute, Logan and myself included, have come up with a codename for you too. A codename is important during battle and practice sessions. We do not let personal relationships, as well as birth names to interfere with our work."
"So what's my codename?" asked Linda, staring at them questioningly. She didn't mind any nicknames, like Logan calling her "ballerina" and she knew she wouldn't be bothered by a formal, official codename. She was going to be an X-Man and if she had to have a codename to become one, then she would do it.
"Linda Goldstein, official codename Ripple. I am Storm and this is Wolverine." Storm said, her voice deep and stern sounding. But then she smiled at Linda warmly and Linda grinned back at her.
"I like it." Linda said, "Well, can we begin the training session then? This suit is too stifling."
"Get used to it, kid. This suit is the only one you've got here." Wolverine said and then turned to Storm, "Go set up a course at the intermediate level. Put in a double of the lasers and robots, too."
Linda listened to him, only half concerned. She would knock out whatever Wolverine and Storm unleashed on her. Their obstacle courses weren't that demanding, yet, but clearly would become harder when training intensified. Storm quickly went up to the control panel, made some adjustments and then the course was ready. Linda watched, excitement and slight trepidation filling her stomach as the course unraveled.
Wolverine hunched down beside her and Linda tensed, prepared. Storm flew down to them and got into position next to the two other mutants. The buzzer rang and the three of them sprang into action. This time, the lasers were being shot at them from moving, mechanical robots. The ground shifted and buckled underneath them, as if they were in an earthquake. Suddenly the metal railing that Linda stood on rose higher into the air, and she saw water churning below her.
Linda gasped, teetering on the edge of the railing that had risen ten feet above the ground. She was a good swimmer, because both her older sisters had been on swim teams and she had learned from them, but the water had come out of nowhere, startling her. Wolverine and Storm were still running, dodging the shooting red lasers and had not obviously noticed that she wasn't behind them. Linda was just about to call out their names when the metal she stood on wobbled dangerously, and sent her plunging right of the edge and into the crystal blue water below. She screamed but with the water making too much noise and the distance that had separated her from the other two mutants, Wolverine and Storm couldn't hear. But apparently, Wolverine had smelled her panic.
He spun around, his metal claws ready to slash anything in his way, and locked his eyes with hers, before the water closed over her head. Linda instinctively tried to push herself back up to the surface but the waves crashing on top prevented her from doing just that. The deep breath of air that she gulped down was quickly running out and she could feel herself becoming dizzy at the lack of oxygen underwater. Suddenly rough, firm, hands grabbed her and hoisted her out of the water. She started coughing immediately, trying to clear the water from her oxygen deprived lungs.
"You alright, ballerina? You got Storm and I scared there for a minute. You know how to swim, kid?" Logan said, holding her light frame in his hands protectively as he began running. The raised metal railing had lowered and thankfully, the deep pool of water had disappeared and the cold, soothing floor had returned, looking sturdy and safe to Linda. But she knew now to not trust it completely, it was her friend as well as her enemy.
"Yeah, I know how to swim. Been swimming almost all of my life, Logan..uh, Wolverine."
"So, what can't you do?" Wolverine asked, looking down at her with what appeared to be newborn parental affection. "You're a pretty talented kid, you know that? You're parents know how good they got it or no?"
Linda's eyes suddenly blurred and it wasn't from the watery grave that she had just escaped, thanks to Wolverine. It was because she hurt for her parents and missed them, especially her mother, who had nurtured and taught her daughter many valuable things about the world. But then, Marie and Alexander Goldstein had found out their daughter's true nature, discovered that she was very different from their other daughters. Their youngest, Linda, was a mutant. Her parents hadn't wanted to accept it and thought of Linda's powers as a burden rather than a gift. Then, Marie had found about the Xavier Institute in Bayville, and with her husband, prompted Linda to go there. They thought the Institute's concept was to relieve children of their powers and help them lead normal lives again. But, Linda knew, from reading the small letter of information that Professor Xavier had sent her parents, the Institute instead taught young mutants to master their powers and use them for good.
"My parents resented me because I was a mutant. When they found out, they kind of freaked. My mother wouldn't look me in the face for a few weeks and my father outright ignored me. I cried a lot about it, so much that I lost my focus completely at school. I wasn't that great of a student before, but I was doing satisfactory work and then all of it just went down the drain... until I came here, I was kind of reminded that being a mutant was not bad..." she was just about to continue when the ground rumbled ominously and the ground began shifting again.
"We'll finish this talk later kid. Just tell me if you know how to swim 'cause there are some rough waters up ahead." Wolverine said, bending at the knees and bounding over a gap that divided a small section of the ground. It was black as night inside the gap and Linda felt slightly nauseous as Wolverine lunged again, this time bounding over a small block that stood in the way.
"I know how to swim. Now let me go please, I want to try to this by myself." Linda said, nodding at Wolverine to show him that she was ready. He looked hesitant but he dropped her safely to the ground and grabbed her hand.
"I know you can, kid. But there are going to be big rolling balls behind us in a minute and I don't want you getting squashed on the first day here."
Linda's eyes widened and she grasped his hand tightly, beginning to run with him. His legs were much longer and stronger than hers, as well as his stamina, but she kept up to him fairly well. "I think I can deflect them with my power. Hold on."
Wolverine grunted, wondering why this tiny little creature wanted to risk her life this way. From experience, though, he knew the thrill of using a power. You could do something no one else could and it was pretty much an energy rush for him when he let his claws out and slid on his Wolverine mask on. It was like the animal within him was released. "Go for it, Ripple. I'll be here for back-up, if you need me."
Ripple nodded, an adrenaline rush pumping through her veins. She had just been called by her codename, the first time and certainly not the last, and was about to do some damage to the obstacle course with her power. It was pretty exciting.
"Here they come!" Storm and Wolverine shouted together and Ripple quickly turned to see three huge black balls, looking about as solid as steel, coming at them.
Ripple raised her hands and stared determinedly at the massive balls of destruction. Images flashed by in her head, of Sarah, thrown by the power Linda hadn't known she'd possessed. A large sheet of rippling energy shot out of her hands. Linda smiled in awe. Her power was the size of a large house wall, crackling and popping with energy. She could see little thunder bolts exploding inside. It rippled there, in the air, until Linda unconsciously pushed her hands outward and sent the energy mass flying toward the balls. The black, deadly looking balls stopped immediately in their tracks and were shoved backwards by an invisible force. Linda concentrated harder, picturing the way she had exploded the lasers into tiny little bits, putting it out of commission. As soon as she thought that, there was a huge explosion, which was then followed by another. Her energy wall was gone and in place was a cloud of sulfurous vapor and the remains of the black balls.
Wolverine glanced in Ripple's direction, where she stood, eyes squinted, looking at what she had just done. What she had done was no small feat. A petite, five feet five inches tall teenage girl had just blown up two massive, destructive balls that were made of steel. And she had accomplished with a flick of her tiny, perfectly manicured hands. Wolverine glanced up at Storm, who hovered above him. She was also surveying the damage done by Ripple. Wolverine could taste the foul odor of sulfur and burned steel on his mouth, his sensitive nose begging for fresh air.
"She's quite amazing, Wolverine. That power of hers is extremely dangerous and yet highly valuable for defense and protection. I can see why Charles would want her on the team," Storm said, looking down at him. She couldn't read the expression on his face.
"That she is, Storm. Amazing. It feels like standing in the way of perfection. Perfection that comes in a fifteen year old package." Wolverine murmured, so quietly Storm wasn't sure she heard right. He gave her one of his trademark smirks and then bounded over to Ripple.
"Hi," she said, turning to him with the widest grin on her face. "Are we all done with the obstacle course? It stopped when those two balls exploded but I thought there was more..."
"Yup, course ain't finished yet. We still got a few more minutes here, Ripple. Let's go, then, back on the track." He said, adjusting his mask and staring at her pointedly, waiting for her to move ahead. She only gave him a look instead. He sighed. "Alright, ballerina. That was pretty impressive, what you did. You're power lay dormant for an entire year, after that incident with that girl, and now it seems like it's growing."
Linda frowned, puzzled. Was her power really growing, expanding into something even more powerful? Or had it grown in secrecy, when Linda hadn't known to call upon it and use it. Had it grown stronger when she hadn't suspected, wasn't even aware of it? Was that even possible? "Could that really be, Wolverine? Was my power able to expand when I wasn't using it?
"The best person to ask is the Professor. And I ain't him. So start running again, kid. This training session hasn't finished." Wolverine said, nudging her shoulder as he turned around to go back to Storm.
Linda sighed dejectedly and picked up her pace. The ground began rumbling again, loud groans that sent little shivers of nervousness into her veins. She tried to block out the noise and stared straight ahead, watching for anything dangerous in her path. A large block stood about ten or so feet away and Ripple smoothly flipped over it, enjoying the thrill of flying and twisting her body. She caught a glimpse of Wolverine running steadily behind her and Storm's eyes flash an unnatural white as she encountered something in her path.
Then something flared at the end of the track, a bright orange flame, and her heart almost stopped. The single flame soon turned into a huge inferno and her eyes widened, heart pounding in fright. She turned back to see if the adults had seen the raging fire when she noticed that Storm was flying fast towards her, her arms outstretched, eyes glowing in that same white color. It began to rain, hard pounding rain that soon had all of them soaked to the bone, but not burned by the fire. Storm smiled down at Ripple and gestured to the last, few remaining flames that were still weakly burning. Ripple knew instantly what she wanted her to do. She raised her hands, gritting her teeth in determination and shot a wall of energy toward the flames. They stopped flickering for a moment and then exploded, becoming trails of smoke, like snakes, dancing up from their remains.
Wolverine and Storm both gave her a thumbs-up sign and Linda looked back at them, knowing that she would be comfortable and fine at the Institute. She fit in, simple as that.
~~~
Author: IceAngel8
Disclaimer: None of the X-Men characters, except for Linda, aka Ripple, belong to me.
Rating: PG:13
Feedback: Yup, I would definitely love to see what you thought! So start reviewing ;)
Summary: A new mutant arrives at the Institute, bringing many changes along with her. Linda, a beauty with dark brown hair and mischievous green eyes, comes to the Institute to get help focusing and mastering her power. Scott Summers is assigned to be her guide around Bayville High, where Charles Xavier has enrolled her in, and soon begins to feel an undoubtable attraction toward Linda. Linda returns Scott's feelings and they begin to date, much to Jean's dismay. When the X-Men, including Linda, take a camping trip in the woods, they don't expect to find the Brotherhood there too. A heated argument between Scott and Lance break outs and the two begin to show off their powers. Between Scott's deadly lasers and the ominous rumbling of the earth caused by Lance, the X-Men and Brotherhood are in serious trouble. Linda and Kitty are knocked unconscious and the ground rips the two groups apart. Suddenly Jean is faced with a hard decision. Should she save Linda, on the verge of death, and let any possible romantic future with Scott be diminished or should she let her die?
Author's Notes: After watching X-Men United, the sequel, I felt a strong pull to create a character and place them into the Xavier Institute, but back when they were all teens in X-Men Evo. Now, this character isn't based on myself in anyway! She doesn't even have my physical qualities, except for very dark brown hair like mine. Also, her talents all came from my mind, not my life. Although I am quite flexible and agile, I am no way like Linda in the story. Plus, I dislike ballet. I am more of a karate person, a fighter. And although Linda's power is extraordinary and I wouldn't mind having it, my favorite character in X-Men Evo is Shadowcat!
AN2: My favorite pairings of all time on X-Men Evo is Lance/Kitty and Jean/Scott but for the purposes of this fic, I brought in a beautiful, charming, flirty girl that will soon turn both of these guys' heads. That's why I started this fic, to delve into the romantic relationships of four vastly different mutants and how their lives would change when a beautiful stranger arrived. Enjoy!
Part 1
Linda Goldstein stared up at the mansion in wonder and nervous excitement. She was finally here, about to be under the instruction of the world's greatest intellectual, Charles Xavier. He was a powerful mutant and taught other younger mutants how to develop their powers and use them to their advantage, instead of the powers controlling them. That was why Linda had come here, to Bayville, a quaint little town so very unlike New York, where she'd been born and raised. Linda had been fourteen years old, studying at her best friend's, Stacy's, house. With no warning, the air had rippled, pushing back Stacy and throwing her right through the window and down two stories. Both girls had screamed bloody murder, until the shatter of the window glass cut off Stacy's voice. Linda had raced to the window and stared down helplessly as her best friend plummeted toward the ground and hit it with a sickly thud. Linda had kept screaming, as white as a ghost and in horrified shock.
Everything went by quickly afterwards. The screams had brought Stacy's father upstairs to his daughter's bedroom only to find the window completely broken, glass scattered about everywhere, and no sign of Stacy. Linda had run to him, crying hysterically, her words all rushed and confusing. But he had understood, somehow, and immediately ran downstairs, already calling 911 on his cellular phone. Stacy had been rushed off to the hospital, with Linda riding in another ambulance behind her. Stacy had several broken ribs, a twisted ankle and a concussion that kept her in a coma for about a month. Her doctor said there would be no permanent memory loss, for which Linda was deeply thankful. She knew it had been her doing, the air changing the way it did, sending Stacy flying out through to the window and possibly, to her death. Her parents had also suspected it and after many lengthy conversations, they had contacted Charles Xavier, who promised to help their daughter control this newfound power and ultimately adjust to it. The Goldstein family agreed to let Linda live in Bayville for the remainder of her sophomore year in high school, and so here she was.
Suddenly the front doors swung open and a beautiful redheaded girl stepped out, wearing a black spaghetti strapped tank-top and jeans. Her electrifying green eyes fixed onto Linda's and she glanced at her curiously before a smile lit up her face.
"You must be Linda Goldstein, right? We've been waiting all morning for you!" The girl said, jogging lightly up to Linda and extending her hand. "I'm Jean Grey. Welcome to the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters."
"Hi, Jean." Linda said, smiling genuinely at the stranger. "So everyone has powers here?"
"Yeah, all of us came here to be taught skills on how to use them." Jean nodded, still smiling. "Everyone here has some kind of different power and we're all friends, as well as roommates. Actually, your room happens to be right beside mine, so we can get to know each other better sometime."
Linda grinned back at her. "Yeah, I'd really like that."
"Well come on then, the Professor is waiting for us in the Danger Room. He wants to see what you can do, Linda." Jean said, leading the way up the stairs and into the cavernous greeting hall.
"Danger Room?" Linda asked, confused. She followed Jean past the grand, sweeping staircase with its gold banisters and into the elevator that was hidden behind a corner.
"The Danger Room is where we do our daily morning routine. It's an exercise room. You will be demonstrating your power there today. We all use our powers there, because it's the safest place in the house to do so without causing any destruction." Jean informed Linda, pushing a button on the control panel. It flashed once and then glowed a bright red.
Linda nodded, holding onto a silver bar that was fastened to the wall as the elevator headed downward. "So, uh, Charles Xavier wants me to show him what I can do?" she asked and Jean nodded, brushing a lock of her hair away from her eyes. "Well, you see I don't really know how to call upon my power. It came out once, a year ago, and I haven't, uh, used it since."
Jean didn't miss a beat. "The Professor will call upon your power. The Danger Room is designed for practically every situation, so therefore, for your power to come out, we will run a series of experiments and see which triggers your power."
"I have seen my power at work, Jean. It's dangerous. It nearly killed my best friend. I don't think I want to put a bunch of other teenagers in such danger."
"I know about Stacy. The Professor filled us all in, a little. But don't worry about harming anyone. You're here at the Institute to learn how to do just the opposite. Today's demonstration will not cause anyone any damage." Jean replied.
Linda smiled uneasily, a little angry that the Professor had discussed such a personal thing with the rest of the students that lived at the mansion. But something about Jean told her that she wasn't just any average mutant living at the Xavier Institute. There was something about the attractive redheaded girl that made you look twice, something behind the exterior that was interesting and mysterious, drawing you in. Linda shook her head a little and concentrated on the numbers above her head as the elevator slowed and finally came to a stop.
"We're here." Jean announced as the doors whooshed open and they were greeted with a long, silver hallway, which looked like something from a sci-fi movie to Linda.
The girls walked down the hallway, their footsteps silent on the shiny, silvery metallic floor. A door at the other end clicked open as they neared and Jean quickly led the way inside. A bald, intelligent man sitting in a wheelchair was waiting for them at the entrance.
"Hello, Linda. Welcome to the Institute." He said, in a voice that was deep, strong and steady.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Xavier." Linda said, shaking his offered hand. Immediately it felt like something was tingling at the edges of her mind, just above the surface, but close enough to dive right into her mind and explore her thoughts. She withdrew her hand instantly.
The man smiled apologetically at her. "I am quite sorry about that, Linda. It's a natural reflex when I meet new people. I meant you no harm. And please do call me Professor. Charles Xavier sounds too stuffy," He said and grinned at her. Linda took in his smile and immediately felt at ease, her past anger and doubt fading.
"So we're here to see what I can do, huh?" Linda asked, dreading the answer somewhat. Images of that fateful afternoon were fresh and clear in her mind, of Stacy smashing the window by body impact and then hitting the ground and looking as if she were really dead.
"Yes, we are. I have set up an obstacle course for you to run through. It is set at the easiest level right now but it will go up higher as you will begin to train here. Well, all right then, we can start. But first, have you ever done gymnastics or aerobics before?" The Professor pushed a button on a small panel beside his arm and the wheelchair started slowly forward. Jean and Linda followed, one girl on each side of him.
Linda perked up at the sound of gymnastics and aerobatic activity. "I started doing ballet and gymnastics around the age of six. I'm very limb and flexible and I can do all sorts of things, like cartwheels, cannonballs, back flips, somersaults. I stopped when I was thirteen because school was taking up a lot of time but I haven't forgotten anything. My old instructor always told me that once you become a gymnast, you will always remain a gymnast. She was right."
"That is excellent. You will not have to be trained in that aspect then. It seems like to me, from what you have told us, that you will do fine on the obstacle course, along with your power, of course. Although your power plays a major role in your survival and completion of the training courses here at the Institute, every student at this school is a trained acrobat. Being physically capable to jump and leap and dodge weapons is very important and crucial." Professor Xavier said, smiling at his newest recruit.
The young mutant's face lit up with unsuppressed joy at the Professor's words. Gymnastics had been her world, her entire life, before junior high school and through the beginning of it. And yet, even though she'd stopped at the age of thirteen, in eighth grade, her body was as agile as a cat's. She was graceful, flexible and as deadly as an arrow. Precision had been the key word at her ballet and gymnastics school and Linda had definite precision.
"We're ready, Jean. I'll position Linda inside the course. You go up to the control room and tell Logan that we are almost ready to proceed." Prof. Xavier said and then gently steered Linda by the arm the rest of the way. There was another hallway between the first door and the second, and when they cleared both, they entered a sort of chamber, high ceiling and cavernous. There was a track running around the outer length of the circle that was the chamber.
"This the Institute's Danger Room. All training and exercises are done here, expect for outdoor training, obviously. Now, just right here and focus on the objects that will start appearing when Logan starts the course."
"Who's this Logan?" Linda's green eyes were puzzled as she asked the telepath.
"Logan is a mutant, but genetically created. His codename is Wolverine and he trains most of the X-Men because he is exceptionally fit and trained in combat. You will have you're first training session with him bright and early tomorrow morning at 6 A.M. sharp." The Professor answered her question, his voice smooth and fast paced.
Linda suddenly realized that this Institute, nor this man, were any joke. They were all seemingly serious and focused, even the pretty redheaded girl named Jean. Everything was organized here and Linda guessed that slacking off and not following the rules were a big put-off in this household. She was a New York City girl, a party child. Being born and raised in the big city, Linda hadn't been the type of teenage girl to go to the library, take out books and occasionally go out for lunch with her friends. Nope, definitely not. She had been the type to never be at home, to always have something planned, a movie, dinner, a party... she was only at home to sleep, eat, but that was quite unusual for Linda, and to do schoolwork. School and assignments had never been one of her strong suits but she did her homework and projects to the best of their ability. Not getting higher than average grades hardly bothered her and Linda lived by the rule that average is better than nothing.
She knew, now, that her schoolwork would have to improve while she lived here. There would be no more nights filled with plans and dates and chattering friends. Jean had mentioned, and now even the Professor, that their were training sessions in the morning, some as early as six , like the one she had for tomorrow with the Logan guy. Linda had a feeling that she would be sitting at home most nights, surrounded by books and the other mutant teenagers. Well, it can't be all bad, she thought. You will have permanent roommates right down the hall! Linda had two sisters, but both were away, studying at prestigious universities, hoping one day to have successful careers and big families. One of her sisters wanted to be a pediatrician and the other a scientist in disease research. Linda had known, almost from birth, that she would never measure to up to her older sisters. Her parents had reassured her almost her entire life, pleading with her to pay more attention in school and excel in her studies. Linda simply wasn't interested in what they were offering. She felt that there was something big, waiting out there for her. And at fourteen years old, she discovered it. Linda Goldstein could do something like no one else; she was a mutant.
"Linda, focus on the task, please." The Professor said, but he wasn't standing beside her anymore. Linda glanced around herself in shock, wondering where the bald man had gone. And how she had still heard him. "Behind you," she whipped around and found him sitting in a small alcove next to the exit. He smiled at her and pointed his finger towards the course that was slowly folding out in front of her.
She turned right around and looked up in amazement. There were several bars and small walls set up in the middle of the track, a sort of bridge crossing over a real river, big blocks that shifted around every few seconds and the least expected, most extraordinary thing: three lasers pointing directly at her, ready to shoot.
"This is a simple track, with all the usual obstacles set up. You have to clear this in sixty seconds or less. Good luck," Charles said and sat back to watch.
Linda gritted her teeth and focused all her energy on what was ahead. A buzzer sounded loudly and she was off, letting instinct and years of training in ballet and gymnastics overtake her. She cleared the bars and medium height walls in seconds, leaping high over them in single bounds. The shifting blocks were a little tricker but she managed, somersaulting from one to the other. The bridge was easy and she practically flew over it, not realizing that the intent of the bridge had been to knock her off her balance and throw her in the water below. When she neared the lasers, Linda knew that she would be required to use her power. She squinted her eyes and thought back to the afternoon her best friend had almost died. The air instantly rippled, like an underwater mirage. The lasers were knocked backwards, exploding as they did, putting them out of commission, and Linda ran the rest of the way, until she reached the finish line.
"That was thirty five and a half seconds. Not bad, kid," A gruff, muscular man said, leaning back against the Danger Room wall. "That power of yours is quite strong. Let's see what Chuck's gotta say about my nickname for you,"
"What do you mean, my nickname? My friend's call me Lin, short for Linda. I don't think I need another one." She said, slightly out of breath. She pushed a strand of sweaty hair out of her eyes and gave the man a once-over.
He was handsome, in a rugged sort of way, with big bulging arm and leg muscles and the most profound biceps that Linda had ever seen. His eyes, a dark blue, were animalistic and yet compassionate. He looked as if he worked out heavily everyday and could pack a mighty punch, Linda thought.
"Logan, what was Linda's workout time?" Prof. Xavier rolled his wheelchair over to them and gave the younger mutant a nod. "That was quite an impression you made on me. I've never seen anyone so comfortable with the bars, blocks or walls. And your power ... well it was amazing to watch, I'll say."
"Thirty five and a half seconds, Chuck. Little miss ballerina here knows how to work the blocks and such. She somersaulted right over them." Logan said, looking quite impressed. "But I couldn't figure out her power. It sure did knock the lasers out, but how is the question."
"Linda's power is a large energy field. It triggers when she's angry, or under pressure. Her power is amazing, actually. It's like Jean's power, but Jean controls her telekinesis with her mind. Linda doesn't have to." The Professor said.
"I don't understand, Professor. My power kind of makes the air ripple and shift and sends things flying backward. How is that related to telekinesis? "
"Okay, then, let me explain. You know how telekinesis works, correct?" He paused and Linda nodded that she did. "Well, Jean can control objects and people by using her mind. Your power is almost telekinetic because you send things backward. It's like a mental shove that Jean can give you, but you also can give someone a shove backwards, but your power will cause the air to shift and change. Do you understand me now?"
"Yes, I do. So how can I use my power to help me? What if I need it to defend me? And if I do join you're X-Men team, what good can I do?" Linda asked in a rush, nervous as she waited for a response.
Charles Xavier smiled happily. He hadn't wanted to push Linda and ask her to join the X-Men right away, but after seeing her on the obstacle course just minutes earlier, the way that she had easily moved throughout it and then used her power on the lasers, it was no doubt that he wanted her to become an X-Man.
"We would absolutely love to have you as a member of the team. You're power will grow and expand and I can assure you right now, you won't be a force anyone will want to reckon with. What you have is unique, a mutant power that is very unusual. With that aside, you will need to train to be an X-Man. Combat skills, as well as improving your power, are among the things you will learn. Logan will guide you in your training and when you are ready, you will join the team and their workouts."
"Maybe we should get in a little practice now, Chuck. It wouldn't hurt the kid. Me and the little ballerina here can test this power out, see what she's made off. How about it, Linda?" Logan said, flexing his muscles, a smirk on his face. The smirk hadn't been intentionally mean, Logan just didn't smile at anyone really. "Think you can handle a session with me?"
Linda met his hard, stone-like gaze with her own. Her dazzling green eyes looked mischievous and she could feel the blood pumping in her veins, her muscles tense and ready, itching to let loose. "Sure." she said, grinning. "I'll show you what I'm made off, Logan."
"I think you met your match, Logan. Well, then, I'll leave you to your session. Logan, now, don't overstress Linda. She's going to Bayville High tomorrow, it's her first day and she needs a good night's sleep." Professor Xavier said, winking at Logan. "There is a suit in the control panel that should fit you." he finished and then wheeled his chair away, giving both a smile before he left.
Ten minutes later, both Linda and Logan were suited up. After he'd dressed, Logan had run to the library, where he knew the Professor would be spending his afternoon and the two of them had debated on Linda's codename as an X-Man. Finally, with the Beast and Storm's approval, they had chosen "Ripple" as Linda's codename. It would fit her perfectly, they decided, because of the way her power worked. She caused a ripple effect on the air, like a stone would have on the smooth surface of a lake, and therefore would be called Ripple by her teammates and mentors.
Storm accompanied Wolverine into the Danger Room and was introduced to Linda Goldstein, their newest recruit and already a member of the X-Men.
"Hello, dear, my name is Storm. That is my codename. The real name is Ororo. It's a pleasure to meet you." The beautiful mocha skinned woman said, shaking Linda's hand with a firm grip. "The Professor and all of my the teachers here at the Institute, Logan and myself included, have come up with a codename for you too. A codename is important during battle and practice sessions. We do not let personal relationships, as well as birth names to interfere with our work."
"So what's my codename?" asked Linda, staring at them questioningly. She didn't mind any nicknames, like Logan calling her "ballerina" and she knew she wouldn't be bothered by a formal, official codename. She was going to be an X-Man and if she had to have a codename to become one, then she would do it.
"Linda Goldstein, official codename Ripple. I am Storm and this is Wolverine." Storm said, her voice deep and stern sounding. But then she smiled at Linda warmly and Linda grinned back at her.
"I like it." Linda said, "Well, can we begin the training session then? This suit is too stifling."
"Get used to it, kid. This suit is the only one you've got here." Wolverine said and then turned to Storm, "Go set up a course at the intermediate level. Put in a double of the lasers and robots, too."
Linda listened to him, only half concerned. She would knock out whatever Wolverine and Storm unleashed on her. Their obstacle courses weren't that demanding, yet, but clearly would become harder when training intensified. Storm quickly went up to the control panel, made some adjustments and then the course was ready. Linda watched, excitement and slight trepidation filling her stomach as the course unraveled.
Wolverine hunched down beside her and Linda tensed, prepared. Storm flew down to them and got into position next to the two other mutants. The buzzer rang and the three of them sprang into action. This time, the lasers were being shot at them from moving, mechanical robots. The ground shifted and buckled underneath them, as if they were in an earthquake. Suddenly the metal railing that Linda stood on rose higher into the air, and she saw water churning below her.
Linda gasped, teetering on the edge of the railing that had risen ten feet above the ground. She was a good swimmer, because both her older sisters had been on swim teams and she had learned from them, but the water had come out of nowhere, startling her. Wolverine and Storm were still running, dodging the shooting red lasers and had not obviously noticed that she wasn't behind them. Linda was just about to call out their names when the metal she stood on wobbled dangerously, and sent her plunging right of the edge and into the crystal blue water below. She screamed but with the water making too much noise and the distance that had separated her from the other two mutants, Wolverine and Storm couldn't hear. But apparently, Wolverine had smelled her panic.
He spun around, his metal claws ready to slash anything in his way, and locked his eyes with hers, before the water closed over her head. Linda instinctively tried to push herself back up to the surface but the waves crashing on top prevented her from doing just that. The deep breath of air that she gulped down was quickly running out and she could feel herself becoming dizzy at the lack of oxygen underwater. Suddenly rough, firm, hands grabbed her and hoisted her out of the water. She started coughing immediately, trying to clear the water from her oxygen deprived lungs.
"You alright, ballerina? You got Storm and I scared there for a minute. You know how to swim, kid?" Logan said, holding her light frame in his hands protectively as he began running. The raised metal railing had lowered and thankfully, the deep pool of water had disappeared and the cold, soothing floor had returned, looking sturdy and safe to Linda. But she knew now to not trust it completely, it was her friend as well as her enemy.
"Yeah, I know how to swim. Been swimming almost all of my life, Logan..uh, Wolverine."
"So, what can't you do?" Wolverine asked, looking down at her with what appeared to be newborn parental affection. "You're a pretty talented kid, you know that? You're parents know how good they got it or no?"
Linda's eyes suddenly blurred and it wasn't from the watery grave that she had just escaped, thanks to Wolverine. It was because she hurt for her parents and missed them, especially her mother, who had nurtured and taught her daughter many valuable things about the world. But then, Marie and Alexander Goldstein had found out their daughter's true nature, discovered that she was very different from their other daughters. Their youngest, Linda, was a mutant. Her parents hadn't wanted to accept it and thought of Linda's powers as a burden rather than a gift. Then, Marie had found about the Xavier Institute in Bayville, and with her husband, prompted Linda to go there. They thought the Institute's concept was to relieve children of their powers and help them lead normal lives again. But, Linda knew, from reading the small letter of information that Professor Xavier had sent her parents, the Institute instead taught young mutants to master their powers and use them for good.
"My parents resented me because I was a mutant. When they found out, they kind of freaked. My mother wouldn't look me in the face for a few weeks and my father outright ignored me. I cried a lot about it, so much that I lost my focus completely at school. I wasn't that great of a student before, but I was doing satisfactory work and then all of it just went down the drain... until I came here, I was kind of reminded that being a mutant was not bad..." she was just about to continue when the ground rumbled ominously and the ground began shifting again.
"We'll finish this talk later kid. Just tell me if you know how to swim 'cause there are some rough waters up ahead." Wolverine said, bending at the knees and bounding over a gap that divided a small section of the ground. It was black as night inside the gap and Linda felt slightly nauseous as Wolverine lunged again, this time bounding over a small block that stood in the way.
"I know how to swim. Now let me go please, I want to try to this by myself." Linda said, nodding at Wolverine to show him that she was ready. He looked hesitant but he dropped her safely to the ground and grabbed her hand.
"I know you can, kid. But there are going to be big rolling balls behind us in a minute and I don't want you getting squashed on the first day here."
Linda's eyes widened and she grasped his hand tightly, beginning to run with him. His legs were much longer and stronger than hers, as well as his stamina, but she kept up to him fairly well. "I think I can deflect them with my power. Hold on."
Wolverine grunted, wondering why this tiny little creature wanted to risk her life this way. From experience, though, he knew the thrill of using a power. You could do something no one else could and it was pretty much an energy rush for him when he let his claws out and slid on his Wolverine mask on. It was like the animal within him was released. "Go for it, Ripple. I'll be here for back-up, if you need me."
Ripple nodded, an adrenaline rush pumping through her veins. She had just been called by her codename, the first time and certainly not the last, and was about to do some damage to the obstacle course with her power. It was pretty exciting.
"Here they come!" Storm and Wolverine shouted together and Ripple quickly turned to see three huge black balls, looking about as solid as steel, coming at them.
Ripple raised her hands and stared determinedly at the massive balls of destruction. Images flashed by in her head, of Sarah, thrown by the power Linda hadn't known she'd possessed. A large sheet of rippling energy shot out of her hands. Linda smiled in awe. Her power was the size of a large house wall, crackling and popping with energy. She could see little thunder bolts exploding inside. It rippled there, in the air, until Linda unconsciously pushed her hands outward and sent the energy mass flying toward the balls. The black, deadly looking balls stopped immediately in their tracks and were shoved backwards by an invisible force. Linda concentrated harder, picturing the way she had exploded the lasers into tiny little bits, putting it out of commission. As soon as she thought that, there was a huge explosion, which was then followed by another. Her energy wall was gone and in place was a cloud of sulfurous vapor and the remains of the black balls.
Wolverine glanced in Ripple's direction, where she stood, eyes squinted, looking at what she had just done. What she had done was no small feat. A petite, five feet five inches tall teenage girl had just blown up two massive, destructive balls that were made of steel. And she had accomplished with a flick of her tiny, perfectly manicured hands. Wolverine glanced up at Storm, who hovered above him. She was also surveying the damage done by Ripple. Wolverine could taste the foul odor of sulfur and burned steel on his mouth, his sensitive nose begging for fresh air.
"She's quite amazing, Wolverine. That power of hers is extremely dangerous and yet highly valuable for defense and protection. I can see why Charles would want her on the team," Storm said, looking down at him. She couldn't read the expression on his face.
"That she is, Storm. Amazing. It feels like standing in the way of perfection. Perfection that comes in a fifteen year old package." Wolverine murmured, so quietly Storm wasn't sure she heard right. He gave her one of his trademark smirks and then bounded over to Ripple.
"Hi," she said, turning to him with the widest grin on her face. "Are we all done with the obstacle course? It stopped when those two balls exploded but I thought there was more..."
"Yup, course ain't finished yet. We still got a few more minutes here, Ripple. Let's go, then, back on the track." He said, adjusting his mask and staring at her pointedly, waiting for her to move ahead. She only gave him a look instead. He sighed. "Alright, ballerina. That was pretty impressive, what you did. You're power lay dormant for an entire year, after that incident with that girl, and now it seems like it's growing."
Linda frowned, puzzled. Was her power really growing, expanding into something even more powerful? Or had it grown in secrecy, when Linda hadn't known to call upon it and use it. Had it grown stronger when she hadn't suspected, wasn't even aware of it? Was that even possible? "Could that really be, Wolverine? Was my power able to expand when I wasn't using it?
"The best person to ask is the Professor. And I ain't him. So start running again, kid. This training session hasn't finished." Wolverine said, nudging her shoulder as he turned around to go back to Storm.
Linda sighed dejectedly and picked up her pace. The ground began rumbling again, loud groans that sent little shivers of nervousness into her veins. She tried to block out the noise and stared straight ahead, watching for anything dangerous in her path. A large block stood about ten or so feet away and Ripple smoothly flipped over it, enjoying the thrill of flying and twisting her body. She caught a glimpse of Wolverine running steadily behind her and Storm's eyes flash an unnatural white as she encountered something in her path.
Then something flared at the end of the track, a bright orange flame, and her heart almost stopped. The single flame soon turned into a huge inferno and her eyes widened, heart pounding in fright. She turned back to see if the adults had seen the raging fire when she noticed that Storm was flying fast towards her, her arms outstretched, eyes glowing in that same white color. It began to rain, hard pounding rain that soon had all of them soaked to the bone, but not burned by the fire. Storm smiled down at Ripple and gestured to the last, few remaining flames that were still weakly burning. Ripple knew instantly what she wanted her to do. She raised her hands, gritting her teeth in determination and shot a wall of energy toward the flames. They stopped flickering for a moment and then exploded, becoming trails of smoke, like snakes, dancing up from their remains.
Wolverine and Storm both gave her a thumbs-up sign and Linda looked back at them, knowing that she would be comfortable and fine at the Institute. She fit in, simple as that.
~~~
