The Dragon Tamer

(PG-13 for swearing and suggestive actions and words. P/OC (a little R/B) Comes into play after X:2. What are these dreams John's been having? And who is this new girl at the old mansion? ((' Indicates thoughts))

Disclaimer: I do NOT own the original X-Men or the topic.

Chapter 2: Home Sweet Home

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Turning the keys he heard the engine choke. With a frown he gave the gas pedal a little nudge and the car started up. 'What a fine way to begin this little journey...' He mused to himself. With one last glance at the old man in the doorway, he shifted into drive and went on his way. After about five minutes of driving, John realized he had no clue how to get to the school from here, since he didn't really know where they were. Cursing himself for his dumb mistake he prepared to turn around, until he heard Magneto's voice coming from somewhere. "Mr. Allerdyce, you will find a map in the glove compartment, I made sure Mystique placed it there, knowing you would most likely do this. If you need any more information, press number three on the radio panel and it will dial this number."

John blinked once, twice, and then let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. 'Whew, that was different.' He reached over and pulled the map out of the compartment. "She even made a route for me. I never thought I'd say this, but thank you Mystique." The rest of the journey was filled with thoughts of his arrival. How would the others act? Had they missed him or thought of him at all? What would they say when they found out he wasn't staying with them? What would they do? With all the questions leaping around in his head, he didn't even notice he was already there.

"Oh god, what do I do now?"

With a deep breath he climbed slowly out of the car, parking it before hand of course, and shut the door. The place seemed so quiet; there was no one to be seen on the school grounds. 'Must be class time.' He checked his watch and confirmed that indeed it was class time. 'And during class time the doors are locked. Great.' Looking around he saw a bench and decided to wait it out. He was about to sit on it when the doors opened and there stood a very different looking Scott Summers. Quick as he could John darted behind the tree and watched. Cyclops didn't have the same look he used to; he seemed much more distant. Like he wasn't really all there, and he was looking right at Pyro.

Wait, no he wasn't. He was looking towards the gates of the school, but he didn't seem to notice John. 'That's understandable, it can't be too easy to see out of that thing. Let alone the fact that I'm behind this huge-ass tree.' Pyro turned his head to see what his teacher was really looking at. That's when he saw her, the girl from that dream he had. She wasn't wearing the tan shirt, or the black jeans, but it was her all right. He would remember that face for the rest of his life.

She was looking towards Mr. Summers with a nervous expression on her face, the same look that children get when they go to school for the first time. 'This must be her first day.' John wanted to get her attention, but with the teacher around, it wouldn't do any good. He heard a car door slam and an older woman got out. The teenage girl waited for the woman and they both began walking towards the front doors. Pyro sighed when everyone got inside. He thought he would be discovered for sure. Although, he was bound to be discovered somewhere along the way, wasn't he? I mean, it's kind of hard to get in and out of a school without being seen by a single person.

After what seemed like forever he finally got up his courage and walked towards the doors. Classes had ended a few minutes ago, so Ms. Munroe would have unlocked the doors by now. He had his hand on the handle and he was about to open the door when he heard voice around the other side, it sounded like two men and a woman. With further eavesdropping he easily figured out who they were. Ororo Munroe, Scott Summers, and Professor Xavier. He snuck over and placed himself against the wall, his hand touching the corner of the building. Not thinking, even for a moment, that Professor X could easily tell he was there.

Charles' lips turned upward ever so slightly. 'So, young Mr. Allerdyce has come back. And is snooping no less.'

"What do you think of her Professor?" Ororo's voice cut into his thoughts. He cleared his throat, making sure it was more than loud enough for John to hear.

"Well, her powers are dangerous, but most are. I think with a lot of training she could learn how to fully control them."

"Yes, but what if Magneto should get ahold of her?" This time Scott was the one who spoke. His voice was almost too faint for John to hear.

"That's another issue entirely. Let me just say, I think Erik would have his hands full if he got them on this one."

"I think you're right." Ororo smiled, she too knew who was around the corner, and Scott seemed to be the only one who didn't.

A scuffle from inside interrupted their conversation. There was a fight going on.

"Let's go inside before the children break something, or someone."

With that they went back in from the side door, leaving John even more confused than before. 'Why are they talking about her like she's all that different from all the rest of us?' He rounded the corner and with all the strength he could muster he shoved the side doors open. What he saw there made his jaw drop. 'So that's why.'

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