Important Author's Note:

Righto, here's the deal. Back in January, my computer crashed, and I lost pretty much all the mutant bios that you submitted. However, I do have a few that I printed off, and what ever info ff.net didn't delete. I'm making huge cuts to the teams, since I was dealing with 40+ characters. @_@ If you had more then one character submitted, you can guarantee one got deleted. If you've reviewed, I've made sure your character is still in the story. I'm bringing the 40 characters down to about 15+ and I'm making sure to introduce them slowly, so you have time to get familiar with them. I'll credit you for your characters, since I know a lot of you have probably forgotten who you submitted.

If you still happen to have your character's bio lying around, please e-mail me!

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Chapter 2

I just don't know Pat, Kristi typed rapidly in reply to Patrick over MSN, I mean, it's the opportunity of a lifetime! To study with Professor Xavier himself! But… She paused, unable to truly get what she was thinking across him through a computer, and chose to let Patrick type a response instead.

Kristi, just what exactly is keeping you back here? Ever since that day in Science class you've barely been tolerated at school, half your friends won't even dare think about your name anymore, let alone the 'horror' of being seen in the same room as you, and your parents prefer to imagine you're non-existent or preferably dead."

That was harsh, but Pat chose never to lie to her. There was a long pause in which Kristi could feel him; feel his regret as soon as he finished typing; feel his frustration, as he tried to get her to understand what he meant; some way to convince her to go. Kristi was also vaguely aware of his aggravation, but more so of his brotherly love for her. Nevertheless, she still couldn't understand why he was urging, almost pleading for her to go to the Xavier Institute. This was her home! Her family! They'd learn to accept her, just as her best friend once had, wouldn't they?

But the bad thing about being an empath, is that you always know the depth of people's true emotions.

She sighed, and forced herself to watch the computer's glowing screen as she waited patiently for him to continue.

Kristi, the other day one of your headaches was so bad it nearly caused you to collapse, for crying out loud! Maybe you're okay with that, but not when you're driving along the damn highway! You need to learn some more control because one day you're not going to be able to bear feeling everybody's emotions, and then what? You'll get hurt, or worse, go crazy or die! And, as much as I hate to bring this up, the Fo.H is just hunting for any reason to get this damn Registration Act passed… would you really like to be another case for them to use as proof on how there really is a 'disease' that kills, and why we are dangerous?

Kristi closed her eyes in defeat. He was right, and he knew she realized that.

Pat…this is my home…she finally typed sadly.

Look, I'm not going to go there with out you. Pat replied quickly. But you know how hard it is to get into Xavier's…we may never have this chance again! And think, you'll never have to deal with all those peoples' emotions again!

All you have to do is say the word, he coaxed, and I'll send them the e-mail.

Oh all right! She answered, a small grin appearing on her face at his persistence. She could feel some of his frustration drain away slowly, and was thankful. She didn't mean for him to worry like this.

But hurry, before I change my mind! ^_~ She sent a winking face his way to show she was kidding. But only just.

Done. He answered back after a short pause. Professor Xavier will probably answer with in the next couple of days. Are you going to tell your parents?

I'm going to have to, aren't I? ^_^ She retorted with a grin. Otherwise I won't be able to take much with me. What about your parents?

They already know. I've already started to pack up my stuff.

Aren't you the least bit sad that you're going to be leaving? She questioned.

A little bit, I suppose.. I'm going to miss my kid sister most, and mum's being really great lately, but I can tell that she's uncomfortable around me. She and dad have been arguing a lot lately…I can only guess what it's about. Kristi could feel his mood darken, and she changed the subject.

Are we going to have our movie night tomorrow? We could rent some oldies; Matrix is always a classic, and so is Batman.

Of course! I didn't think you liked Batman though… He replied with slight confusion.

The one with Val Kilmer and Chris O'Donnell wasn't that bad.

You're just saying that because you have a crush on Robin. He teased, bringing a grin to her face.

No…well, maybe I am. But we always watch what I want to, you even managed to sit through 'A Walk to Remember' with me, so you deserve to pick the DVDs for a change.

Well, let's get the Matrix series. That'll keep us occupied all night, they're longer then most of the older movies. Do you just want classics? Or should we try that new Stephan King horror movie that came out a couple of months ago?

I heard that wasn't any good.

Right, Matrix it is. He confirmed. I can pick them up on the way home from school. My house or yours?

Yours would probably be better. She replied apologetically, and, on a sudden thought, began digging through her back pack in search of her homework. Uh-oh….

Do you—she began, and was suddenly interrupted by her mother's angry yelling coming from the downstairs of the apartment.

"Kristi, get off that damn computer and come and wash the dishes! I've already asked you once!"

"All right, I'm coming!" Kristi answered quickly, and typed a hurried good-bye to Pat.

Sorry, Pat, I've got to go, mum's shouting. I'll see you tomorrow, then.

Right, good night! Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite! He chided her, and she laughed. He recited that corny saying to her every night.

Logging off of Messenger, she hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen, where a sink full of water and a pile of dishes that reached from one end of the kitchen sink all the way down to the stove awaited her.

Kristi groaned silently to herself. Of all the nights to have company, it'd be on a night where there was a crucial math test the next day. It wasn't that late yet, but with her Calculus homework…

She reached into the water, which her mother had already run for her in the sink, and swiftly pulled it back, biting her lip to keep from swearing aloud, but failing to stifle a loud yelp.

"Kristi, stop making such a noise!" Her mother yelled from the living room.

"It wasn't my fault mum! You ran the water too hot!" She called back in explanation.

"Don't Kristi. I just don't want to hear any more of your excuses."

"I'm so sorry, Kelly," Kristi could here her mother apologizing to the neighbors, who had been over for dinner. "Kristi's been such a problem lately…her grades are dropping, she's getting into more and more trouble with the school…we've got to keep her in a firm hand."

"Oh, I completely understand Janice." Kelly sympathized, none too quietly. "Well, you have to start disciplining them at an early age…you've done a fine job, both of you. Sometimes you can never control the way children turn out."

Kristi turned on the tap to mix some cold water in and rolled her eyes. The neighbors were full of such. . .well. . .bull. She hated to put it so bluntly, but it was absolutely true. Probably lucky that they'd never had kids, she would have dreaded to see the way they turned out.

"Good night mother," she called before heading up the stairs back to her room when she had finished. There came no reply, only loud laughter. She suspected they had brought out the wine, as they sounded just a little too happy to be her parents.

She turned on her lamp and flopped down on her bed, searching around under her desk for her Calculus text book, which she eventually discovered hiding under a mound of her old History notes. She flicked on the radio, opened her books and finally settled down to doing her homework.

It must have been nearly 12:30 when she next glanced at her alarm clock. Her homework had taken her longer then she had expected, but at least she had gotten it all done.

She couldn't be bothered to try and get up to go to the bathroom to brush her teeth or change into her pajamas, so she dumped her books unceremoniously on to the floor, struggled under the covers and turned of the light.

It was nearly quarter to eight the next morning when she woke up, her alarm clock not going off. She groaned, covering her eyes from the sunlight streaming in the window on her face, and lay there for a few moments before glancing at the time.

"Ahh!" She cried, jumping out the bed. She had to catch the bus in less then ten minutes!

"Mum, why didn't you wake me?" She cried urgently, rushing down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"If you can't be bothered to take some responsibility and get yourself up in the mornings, I think you should pay for your mistakes, even if that means getting a detention. You're eighteen now Kristi, you don't need me nagging after you all the time." Her mother replied calmly, from where she was eating her breakfast.

Kristi's heart sank. Her mother had never treated her like this, until last week…the day she had tried to confide in her mother that she was a mutant, after that horrendous day had happened at school.

She tried to ignore her mother's comments, and grabbed a muffin out of the bread box. She picked up her bag from where she had tossed it by the stove, and went to kiss her mother good bye. Her mother brushed her off.

"Kristi, you're going to be late! GO!" Her mother commanded, and Kristi took off out the door.

She bolted to the bus stop which was a good two blocks away from her house, and arrived the same time as the bus did, panting hard.

She wandered to the back of the bus, passing an ex-friend of hers trying to catch a few more minutes of sleep, and another boy who appeared to be frantically trying to finish his homework. She slumped into the seat, and closed her eyes.

She arrived at school, forty minutes later due to New York's morning rush hour, with no incident, for the first time that week.

Maybe things are starting to look up, she dared to dream, however, she knew that was wishful thinking, when she felt the rush of emotion, the fear, the hostility…even jealousy, coming from the people she passed.

She sped up and glanced around the crowd for Pat. She soon slowed down as she spotted him having an animated conversation to Marcy, one of her former friends who had dumped her as soon as she found out that Kristi was a mutant.

She decided to wait by the fountain and sat on the edge, skimming her fingers along the top of the water, glancing up every now and then at the people scattered around her. She didn't have to wait long, and she waved to get his attention. He jogged over, his dark brown hair already slightly damp and sticking to his forehead in the morning heat.

"What was that all about?" She questioned curiously, with out even bothering to say hi.

"What? With Marcy?" He replied.

She nodded.

"Nothing, she just wanted to talk." He answered her after a brief pause, not meeting her eyes.

"You always were a bad liar." She joked lightly. "I can handle the truth Pat. I'm a big girl now, as my mother so likes to remind me as of late."

He sighed. "It was nothing, really Kris. She was just asking how I dare hang out with a mutant freak, saying I'll get us all get infected and we'll die."

Kristi gave a strained laugh. "Right…so if they're so afraid of me, why haven't they told Principal Wood that it was me that 'cursed' the science room."

"Because they're frightened of you, of course. They think if they get you kicked out of school, you'll come after them. But if you stay in school as long as they avoid you it doesn't matter what happens to anybody else."

"Oh yes, it sounds so logical when you put it that way." Kristi replied, a hint of sarcasm edging into her voice.

"Hey, it wasn't me who thought that up, I'm just repeating what Marcy told me." He retorted. "You said you were a big girl now, so don't let it get to you."

She looked down at her feet sheepishly. "I'm sorry Pat, I didn't mean to take it out on you."

"Forget about it." He glanced down at his watch. "Haven't you got class now?"

"Yeah, I've got Calculus test first thing."

"Ouch." He winced. "That's got to suck."

"Yeah. I'll see you later, my class is on the other side of the school."

"Sure. See you at lunch."

She rushed off towards her locker, her book in her backpack digging into her leg each step she took. She pretended not to notice the people who avoided her gaze, or went out of their way to avoid going anywhere near her. She had to wonder what the teachers thought of this sudden change of behavior. She went from being one of the most popular girls in the school, to suddenly being shunned by even the closest of her friends. She was glad that they didn't find out about Patrick as well.

"You're late Ms. Bartlet." Her teacher scolded as she dashed into the classroom.

"Sorry, I-"

"Hurry up and sit down, you've disrupted everyone who was on time from writing their tests."

"Yeah Kristi…look at all the trouble you've caused." Ryan spoke up.

"That's enough Mr. Morris."

Kristi parked herself at her desk and Mr. Philips slipped her a test.

"You've one hour. No cheating, or you'll receive a zero. No talking or you'll get a zero. Is that understood."

"Yes sir." She glanced wistfully at the door, and settled down to answer the first question.

Right then…Name…

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

"So how was it?"

"AHH!"

Patrick grinned slyly at her. "How was the test?"

"Just glad it's over, done with and that I don't have to think about it ever again."

"That bad huh?"

"Oh yeah, bad doesn't even begin to describe it…I think the only question I got right was my name, and right now I'm even beginning to doubt that… What do you have for lunch? Anything you don't want?" She asked him hopefully.

"Didn't you bring one?" He frowned.

"Nope, mum couldn't be bothered to wake me up this morning when my alarm didn't go off and I didn't have the time."

He sighed. "Well, we'll be out of here sooner enough. I got an e-mail back this morning from Professor Xavier."

"Already?" Her heart sank slightly.

"Yep. Two of the teachers will be here tomorrow to take the majority of our stuff back with them, and then we'll drive out Friday evening."

"They're coming so soon?" She cried, a panicked look on her face. "I haven't even told mum that about it yet!"

"I'm convinced it won't be a problem with your mother. Kris, we went over this last night. Are you going to back out on me now?"

"No…" She looked troubled. "Hey… but that means I only have a day to pack! How do I decide what to take?"

"The school's only about half an hour or so away from here. I'm sure you can always come back and pick up anything you need." He reasoned.

"Mr. Kawasaki, I'd like to borrow Ms. Bartlet for a few minutes if I may." A stern voice spoke up behind Pat. They both jumped; they had been so absorbed in their conversation they had failed to notice Mr. Philips sneaking up behind them. They both stared up guiltily at him. "In the office Ms. Bartlet. Now."

She got up from the table, giving Pat a worried look. She could sense that he was just as confused as she was. The only thing she was feeling from Mr. Philips was a sense of unnatural calmness…almost a sense of shock.

He closed the door behind them as they entered the principal's office and gestured for her to sit down. The principal sat behind his desk, and waited for Mr. Philips to sit himself down also."

"Miss. Bartlet, it has come to our attention that you have cheated on your Calculus examination." The principal declared. "A student came to Mr. Philips at the first break to confess to us that you are a mutant-"

"What?!" Kristi couldn't believe what she was hearing. They had told on her? What was she going to do!

"--and you used your powers to cheat, when Mr. Philips popped out of the class for a brief moment due to an urgent phone call. When the other students confronted you, you threatened to harm them with your. . . gifts." There was a noticeable sneer on the last word and Kristi shuddered.

"This is a very serious offense Kristi." Mr. Philips informed her, with a look that could have been one of concern. However, Kristi wasn't fooled, she didn't have to be an empath to sense the revulsion that was coming off of him in dark waves. "Is it true?"

They were willing to give her a way out? They wanted to look the other way? She could lie, but…no. She was leaving anyway.

Look at me…I should be proud to be a mutant. I can feel and understand things in a way they never will, and yet they both still manage to make me feel like a piece of dog crap stuck under a shoe.

"I… I am a mutant." She stated proudly, looking straight into the eyes of the principal, challenging him. "But, I didn't cheat."

He was rather taken aback at her honest statement. He had been certain she would have lied, and he had been looking forward to proving her wrong. Just look at all the kids she had managed to scare witless in the past week. Look at her above average grades. She cheated using her powers, taking all the credit away from all the kids who worked hard to earn their A's and B's.

"Well, Miss Bartlet, I'm going to have to call your parents to come pick you up. As of this moment you are expelled-"

"What?" She cried out in alarm. "How can you expel me for being a mutant? That's discrimination!"

"You, Miss Bartlet, are expelled on the grounds of cheating on an important examination, one that is essential for university. It is no use you denying it, we have proof. You are also expelled for bullying of the other students and you're expelled because you have become a hazard to this school. Your parents will be called to come and claim you and you will not be allowed to step into this school again until you have a doctor's recognition that you are cured. As it is, the Friends of Humanity will also have to be alerted." The principal threatened her, and Kristi gasped.

"No! Do you have any idea what they do to people?" She exclaimed in horror.

"They do nothing to 'people'. They only cure mutants, like yourself. Don't worry Miss Bartlet, I'm sure you'll be back in school in no time."

"They don't cure mutants, don't be so naïve!" Kristi finally snapped, not worrying about what she said anymore. "You fools, don't you realize that the people that check into those damn F.o.H clinics never check out!"

"Don't be ridiculous Miss Bartlet. You've seen those success stories, just think of it. In a month or two you could be like them. You won't have to worry any more, and I assume that's why you've kept it a secret this long."

"Oh you're just full of it." She groaned aloud. "Those people in the 'success' stories have about as much as the mutant gene in them as you have brains. Those people go into those clinics and they don't come out again. I wouldn't have realized it myself if it wasn't for a friend of mine whose parents checked him in. I never have seen him again. Do you realize how deeply these stories are buried on the Internet; how hard you have to dig to find them? No one wants to piece together the evidence that the F.o.H are kidnapping or even killing people for god knows what."

"You know absolutely nothing on the situation Miss Bartlet. I won't listen to any more of your wild stories." The principal roared. "Get out of this room, clean out your locker, and while I call your parents, you'll wait on the front steps, not going any where near any of the other students."

Kristi got up out of the chair and stormed out the door, not caring that she let it slam behind her. She ran through the empty hallways to her locker, the conversation in the principal's office had run all the way through lunch, just missing knocking over the cafeteria ladies as them were bringing the garbage cans out of the cafeteria to be emptied.

"Oh my god…what did I do?" She whispered, horrified. "Not the Friends of Humanity…I have to get out of here!"

She grabbed the three binders and shoved them into her backpack, along with all her loose papers, gym clothes, pens, and books. Her text books she left sitting on the floor under her locker. One last look to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything, and she slammed her locker shut.

"Kris?" She spun around defensively, her face covered in a mask of anger. She relaxed when she saw Pat's concerned blue eyes staring back at her and she threw herself into his arms, finally letting herself cry.

"Kris, what's the matter?" He pushed her back urgently.

"Pat they know! I'm getting kicked out of school because I'm a mutant."

"What?! How can they do that, it's against the law to discriminate against people!" He cried angrily.

"Do you really think they care about that! Anyway, they say I cheated on my tests, and that I've become a danger to the other students. That's the grounds they're expelling my on." She replied heatedly. "Pat, they're involving the F.O.H; they said they were going to call my parents, and I know they've gone straight to the F.o.H, seeing as then, the principal gets a nice fat reward."

"What are you going to do?" He groaned, and ran his fingers through his hair.

"I've got to get out of here. I can't go back home; now my parents will be convinced that it's in my 'best interest' to turn me into the F.O.H. No, I have to get out of here. . . I'm going to run away." She had ranted angrily in the beginning, but by that last sentence, she said it as calmly and firmly as saying the sky was blue, and Patrick had no doubt that she meant it.

"Kris, we're leaving tomorrow to go to the institute! Why can't you just wait until then?" He proposed.

"I'm not going to be here tomorrow, Pat! No, I can't endanger the people there. If the F.O.H know I've gone there they won't hesitate to go and seize all the mutants at the school. I have to leave them out of it." She whispered sadly. "Look, Pat, I have to go before they get here. I've got to go get some thing from home and then I'm leaving."

"I'm coming too." He stated firmly. "I'm not letting you live alone, it's dangerous out there."

"Pat you can't! They don't know about you, you can still live a normal life here! Don't throw it all away for me."

"How long do you think it is before they discover us other mutants at school, Kris? Me, Brad, and that kid, Coralie? None of us are safe any more, if one mutant's been discovered here you can bet there will be some investigation going on. I'm not willing to chance staying here."

"Oh god, this is all my fault…" Kristi gazed open-mouthed and in shock as she realized what Patrick was saying was true.

"Don't be an idiot, they would have found out about us sooner or later. At least now we have a chance to get out of here. Look, you go, and I'll try and convince Brad and Coralie that they need to get out of here. We'll meet you this evening somewhere?"

"How about the mall. It's crowded, I'll blend right in. We can meet at the Tim Hortons there." She answered thoughtfully as a plan began to formulate in her mind.

"Right. Pack warm clothes, food, anything you think is necessary, money especially. What ever you do, try not to take any credit or debt cards if possible, just plain cash." She nodded. "Fit as much as you possibly can carry, into a backpack and dump it some where safe before you go into the mall, it'll look suspicious if you carry that load in."

"Right. Be careful Pat." She warned and took off with her bag down the hallway.

"You're the one who needs to be careful Kris." He muttered miserably, and headed of to the library where he knew Brad would be spending his spare.

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Okay, this chapter is getting divided up into two, since the final product was over 17 pages long. Next part will be up on in the middle of the week. Couple of questions, yes my user name was taken from the DragonLance character, Dalamar.

I'll explain the Kitty comment next chapter…

-Dalamar