Chapter 2

"Will she be ok Professor?"

"Yes, Kurt. She'll be fine. Luckily you caught her before she hit her head."

"What happened?" Scoot asked.

"Kitty phased through the wall and Mary Ann panicked. I grabber her wrist to keep her from running and she freaked when she felt my three fingers I guess. Then she hit my watch and fainted."

"Kurt you must be more careful."

"Well she is here now. Everything will be ok."

"What do you mean Professor? Is she going to stay?"

"Yes."

"But she doesn't have and powers," Scott retorted.

"Actually she does. And she knows about them. She can't control them, so she suppresses it.

"What is it?" Kurt asked with wonder.

"She can control electricity. Including lightening."

"Really? Wow."

"See why I want her under my tutelage not Mystique's."

"Yes. I still can't believe it."

"We should leave her alone to rest. Ororo will come in later and check on her. You all have some training to do."

There were groans and sighs all throughout the lavish room. Scott was the first to leave. Jean went to find Kitty, who was on the phone with her boyfriend. Kurt stayed behind.

"Kurt it's not your fault. Things like this happen. You must all be careful."

"I understand Professor. I just feel bad about it. At least she's safe."

"For now. Once Mystique finds her she'll be in danger."

"I see."

"Come now Kurt. A little training might help clear your mind."

"Sure Professor."

"Dinner will be ready by the time you're done."

Kurt perked up at the though of food and he slowly left Mary Ann's room. Professor X sat a box on the dresser with a note on top. He took one look at Mary Ann, who was asleep on the bed and left quietly. He rolled down the hall and passed Kurt's room just as Kurt was coming out. He had on his red and black uniform.

"Kurt I'd like you to wake Mary Ann up before dinner. Tell her she's welcome to join us. And keep your disguise on for a while. We don't want to frighten her again."

"Of course not Professor. But what about Ororo?"

"Mary Ann might feel better is you did it."

Kurt nodded his understanding then headed off don the hall to the Danger Room.

"Toad get in here!"

Mystique paced back and forth in her disguise as Raven Darkholme. Xavier had just acquired another mutant right form under her nose. Mary Ann Sparks would be a perfect asset to the Brotherhood. Right now Mystique had to find out all she could about the girl.

Todd Tolensky walked, or hopped, into the office. He squatted on the bare chair in the middle of the room in from of Mystique's desk.

"Do you now Mary Ann Sparks?"

"Yeah. We have homeroom together. She was sitting with Xavier's boy."

"I know. Kurt Wagner…"

"Your son?"

Mystique fell silent. Todd sank back and fell silent.

"Kurt Wagner," Mystique continued, "had taken her to Xavier's mansion."

"What's so big about her? Aside form her cool tattoo."

"She controls electricity. The Brotherhood could use someone like her on our side. She'd be of great se to us."

"Totally."

"You know what I want from you."

"Sure. But why don't you just call her into your office for a little talk tomorrow. She is anew student. It's not uncommon."

Mystique fell silent again and sat down behind the large desk. "Yes. Yes, of course. Thank you Toad."

"Am I done?"

"Yes. Go."

Todd stood up and turned toward the door. A fly was bussing around the room. Todd stopped, tracked it with one eye, the quickly flicked his tongue out and caught the fly in mid air.

Mary Ann slowly opened her eyes and looked around. She expected to see a blank white ceiling and panel lights. She was amazed by the light blue paint and beautiful chandelier. To her left there were glass Dutch doors that were open. She could see the red-gold sun set through the flowing curtains. At the foot of the bed, against the far wall, she saw a chest of drawers with a large mirror hanging above it. There was a white box with an envelope on top of it. She blinked and sat up slowly. To the right of the bed was a might table. There was a lamp and clock on the top shelf and magazines below. The clock said it was 6:00.

There was a soft knock at the door. Mary Ann looked at the back of it, afraid to speak. Her books were on a desk beside the nightstand. The door opened slowly and Kurt popped his head in.

"You're awake," he said quietly.

"Where am I?"

"At Professor Charles Xavier's School for the Gifted."

"What?"

"You'll be safe here."

"Safe from what?" Mary Ann was beginning to become frightened again. She drew her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them.

"The Brotherhood." Kurt came all the way in the room and slowly closed the door.

"Kurt I don't know what you're talking about. I'm not gifted. I don't know what the Brotherhood is and why I should be safe here."

Kurt pulled the chair from the desk over and sat in front of Mary Ann. She swung her legs over the bed and stared Kurt straight in the eyes.

"I'm sorry Kurt, I had a horrible dream I guess After English you were taking me to my locker. We were walking down an empty hallway and that brunette haired girl I saw you with this morning appeared from the wall. Then you grabbed he and you only had three fingers. And the scariest of all when I hit your watch you turned blue and furry."

Kurt moved like he was gonna hold Mary Ann's hand but hesitated then stopped.

"Mary Ann. That wasn't' a dream. The girl you saw is Kitty Pryde. We call her Shadowcat.," Kurt rolled up his sleeve and touched his watch. His holo disguise faded and Mary Ann's eyes went wide. She didn't scream, only looked at him in stunned disbelief.

"Then is she can do that… what are you people?"

"We're mutants, like you. The Professor to here to help us control and learn to use our powers like yours."

"Wha… what power?" Mary Ann's eyes darted around the room and she pulled her legs up once again.

"Your powers to control electricity."

Mary Ann turned away from Kurt. He could see the tears running down her cheeks. He reached up and brushed them away.

"At least you could come have dinner with us," Kurt said softly. He hoped she would agree and see how normal he and his friends really were. "Then you can meet the Professor."

For a long moment nothing happened. Mary Ann was still crying and Kurt didn't know what to do.

"Please? You don't' have to stay. Just come meet everyone and have dinner. Then you can decide."

Mary Ann wiped her last tears away with the back of her hand. Kurt saw a brief spark between her hand and face, but Mary Ann didn't jump. The tears rolled down her hand and onto her wrist. They made her snake tattoo glisten. She uncovered herself and sat her feet on the floor. "Ok. I think I'm up for dinner."

By the time Kurt helped Mary Ann downstairs every one had gathered their food and was sitting down at the table together. As Kurt and Mary Ann walked into the kitchen people stopped eating and watched them.

"Hey Elf. How about you introduce your friend," Logan said as Kurt and Mary Ann joined them at the table.

"OH yeah. Guys, this is Mary Ann Sparks. Mary Ann this is the X-Men. Kitty Pryde, Evan Smith, Jean Grey, Scott Summers, Rogue and Logan. Where's the professor and Storm?"

"They'll be a little late. Something with Cerebro," Jean answered.

The table fell silent as everyone started eating. Mary Ann barely touched her meal. She watched as Jean lifted a basket of bread across the table with her mind. And Logan using his claws to snag another burger. The group really seemed like a family. A family Mary Ann never had. She finished her small helping of slaw and friends then folded her hands in her lap and stared at them. She didn't look up when Professor X and Storm entered. They only open seats were next to Mary Ann. Storm sat her plate down them pulled the seat out.

"Hello. You must be Mary Ann," Storm said as she lowered herself into the chair.

"Um. Yeah," Mary Ann replied. She never felt so out of place in her life. Everyone was so close here. She was an outsider. Always has been, always will be.

"I hope you're enjoying our home."

"Yeah. It's really nice."

"Maybe you'll consider staying for a while."

"Maybe."

Mary Ann stood up just as the Professor sat his plate down.

"You must be Mary Ann."

"Yes."

"I'd like to talk to you this evening if that's ok."

Mary Ann nodded and picked up her plate. Kurt turned and looked at her, worriedly. His cheek were stuffed with food and his eyes sparkled. Mary Ann smiled softly at him.

"I'll be in my room." She pushed in her chair and went through the door to the kitchen. She sighed and put her dish in the sink.

Evan waited til Mary Ann was out of ear shot before he spoke up. "What was that all about?"

"What's so special about her?" Kitty asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Is she really gonna stay?" Rogue asked.

The Professor raised his hand and everyone fell silent. "We must do everything possible to make her feel comfortable. She's in a new place and surrounded by new people. She could be a great asset to our group."

"We're not trying to make her uncomfortable. It's just she seems really cold to us," Rogue said.

"So did you when you first came. Still do sometimes," Kurt retorted.

The table fell silent again. Kurt seemed to have lost his appetite. He stood suddenly and carried his dish to the sink, like Mary Ann had. Then he bamfed out, leaving the group wondering.

Mary Ann threw her backpack in her bed and flopped down next to it. She opened the smallest pocket and pulled out one of her CD holders. She flipped through it and sighed. She pulled out the second one and found what she was looking for. The Beatles Rubber Soul. There was a nice stereo system to the left of her bed. She opened the CD drawer, set it on shuffle and put the CD in. With her music in, Mary Ann pulled out her torn up, ratty old journal and favorite pen and started to recall the past days events.

After a few minutes there was a soft knock at her door. She closed the journal and stuffed it in her bag. "Come in."

The door opened slowly with a creak and Kurt's head popped around the corner. He had a smile on his face but Mary Ann could tell he was worried. He stepped farther in and closed the door.

"Nice choice of music. I can't pick which album I like the best," Kurt said as he walked toward Mary Ann.

"Me to. I have everyone ever made. Used to have them on record to but I had to sell those," Mary Ann said, quietly.

Kurt sat down on the bed net to her. Mary Ann looked deep into his eyes. She felt around for his wrist and turned off his holo disguise.

"If we talk I want to talk to you. Not a hologram," Mary Ann said. She reached up and ran a hand along his cheek. He grabbed her hand and held it in both of his.

"You're not scared of me? Or repulsed at all?"

"No. Because I know you won't hurt me."

A tear streamed down Kurt's face. Mary Ann turned off the music and scooted closer to Kurt. "So what do the X-Men do really?" Mary Ann asked with a smile.

"Does that mean you're gonna stay?"

She nodded slowly and smiled warmly at Kurt.

"That's great! I'll go find the Professor right now."

Kurt kissed Mary Ann's cheek then ran out to find Xavier.

"Sir by now you know of the presence of Mary Ann Spark. I believe she would be a great asset to the Brotherhood. If you would give me permission to ass her to your ranks it would benefit our cause greatly."

Mystique stood in front of a dark figure. Her Raven Darkholm disguise was gone and her blue skin shone in the harsh white light she was standing in.

"Of course Mystique. I trust your judgement. Use any means necessary."

"Yes sir. I will." Mystique bowed low then turned about face and walked out of the light and back into her office at school. Her disguise reappeared and she picked her briefcase up off the desk. She turned out the lights and walked into the darkened waiting room.

"So what did the boss say?" a male voice said, quickly. There was a flash of sliver and Mystique felt a short breeze.

"Can't you sit still for just a moment, Pietro?" The breeze stopped and Mystique turned on the lights. Toad was on top of the sectaries desk. Lance was leaning against the door and Pietro Maximoff was sitting in a chair, legs bouncing.

"Ok. So what's up?" Pietro asked, again, legs bouncing faster.

"We have a new member to our ranks."

"Really? Where is he?" Lance asked, straightening. He looked around and behind Mystique curiously.

"She is not with us but I have permission to include her."

"Is it that new girl?" Todd got down from on top of the desk.

"Yes. She will be a strong addition to our ranks."

Todd nodded and started to leave.

"Meet me here tomorrow after school. All of you. I'll want you to meet her."

Todd waved his hand and disappeared. Pietro stood and followed, slowly. With one last look, Lance left to, leaving Mystique alone wondering what just happened