Chapter 1 - Arrival

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"So you mean you can talk to the dead" Scott asked curiously, hands gesturing as he did so. He was not stood straight with arms folded,as was usual for him. Instead, he looked as though a great weight was bearing down upon his shoulders. Yet he was not the only one, everyone in the school was the same. Even those who had not known Jean personally were affected, for the grief passed from one to the other, like a plague.

"I can not 'talk' to them as such, but I can convey their final thoughts to those left in this world."

"I don't understand" said Logan, noticing the girl seemed very confident and sure of herself.

"Well for example if, no offence meant, the Professor here were to drop dead, he would have left some impression on this world, as people would know him as a teacher, mentor and friend. All I would have to do is look for his imprint, his - for want of a better word - 'residue' if you will, that he's left behind, and if they were strong enough, I could tell you his final thoughts."

"Michelle" asked the Professor.

"Yes" she turned to look at him.

"Release us from your powers"

She blanched. Logan was stirred from his brooding.

"Powers"

Michelle's eyes turned towards the floor

"Release us" the Professor repeated gently.

"No, not until I can trust you."

Scott would have looked round the room, had he thought he would see some evidence of powers, but he knew he would not, and continued looking at Michelle who was now fidgeting.

"What are you doing to us"

"It's better for me to have you incapacitated until I know I can trust you." Her eyes never left the floor

"You can trust us"

"And your word is supposed to make me belive that"

"Alright" the Professor spoke. "Start by telling us what you're doing."

She took a breath, eyes still glued to the floor.

"If I concentrate and say the right things I can deepen the feeling of grief and loss you feel for Jean with no sign of powers."

"How long have you been doing this to us"

"Since we met. I trust no-one."

"What do you mean"

"My name's not Michelle. It's Kat."She spoke quietly. Her hand strayed unconciously to her neck and fingered the chain there.

"I have a...a... chip in my spine that amplifies the messages relayed through my nervous system. Under control I can amplify anything. Because you didn't know I was doing it, you had no resistance to it. It...it passes from one to another if they don't realise they carry it. " Her voice trailed off. She shifted in her chair.

"So the whole school is affected" Scott murmered.

Logan stepped forward. "Will you show me your necklace"

"Why" She stood and backed away from him.

"Because I think I know what it looks like, and I need my suspisions confirmed."

She pulled it out from under the collar of a blue fleece. It was, as Logan thought, a bone-shape almost like a dag tag, with name and numbers engraved into it.

"I know who you are." he whispered, and pulled out his own necklace for her to see. It was identical, bar the name and number.

"Wolverine" she looked up at him puzzled. Logan raised one hand and forced out his claws.

"Shit" Kat cursed aloud, backing away from him, as snatches of memories fled through her head.

A tank of water.

Wires.

A knife.

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For disclaimer, see first chapter.

Well, there begins the story...what do you think?

Please all lurkers out there, drop me a line, and let me know you're there! I like to know what people think and how I can improve. Any criticisms you may have, feel free to let me know.

Thank you to all those who reviewed the Prologue

Killjoy - Thank you for your kind review, and pointing that out to me, I'll try and alter it!

B oots - Thanks. Nice review. Much apreciated.

The next xhapter will be up soon!

...hopefully...

sheepish grin

...hugs all reviewers, despite getting strange looks "What? I apreciate it, can't I show it somehow"

He,he

See you soon

jogreenleaf

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