Disclaimer: I do not own X-Men.
Chap. 2
Temperance's father pulled her two heavy suitcases out of the trunk, while Temperance herself checked to make sure that her shoulder-length dark-auburn hair covered the entire left side of her face.
"I wish you wouldn't do that, Temp," her mother said, "you have such a pretty face."
Temperance laughed and was given a harsh look from her mother.
It was true, though. Thought Temperance. I'm not that pretty.
Temperance was built strong, not at all a normal fourteen-year-old "delicate flower". Her shoulders were wide and usually slumped. She was tall and looked like she went hiking often. Her forehead was high and broad and her nose was larger than most. Pale skin. She wore baggy clothing, but not because she was fat. She was nowhere near fat for her height. She wore the baggy clothes because that was what she was most comfortable in.
But if there was one thing Temperance liked most about herself, it would be her eyes. Hazel eyes, not extremely special. It wasn't the color, though. Temperance liked the shape of her eyes. They were slightly curved, like those of a cat. Temperance had also noticed that her eyesight had become keener over the past few weeks.
"Come on, Bun." Said her father once more. "Are you going to come inside with us or make a grand entrance later on?"
"Don't forget that essay is due on Monday - Oh!" Said the Professor.
"What is it?" asked the class.
"It seems our new student has arrived. Kitty, you're the same age as Miss Bellview. Would you care to show her around this afternoon? You'd be excused from all of your classes of course." Kitty nodded vigorously and the Professor chuckled. "Normally I or one of the other teachers would show the new student around, but our schedules are so full today."
The bell rang and the students left immediately, all except for Kitty.
"The lobby Miss Pryde. I'll be coming with you."
Temperance held the door for her father as he lugged her clothing and possessions inside the mansion. Children milled about, giving them curious looks. Obviously the bell had just rung.
A bald man in a wheelchair rolled over to them, quickly followed by a girl who looked about Temp's age.
"Hello." Said the man, "I'm Professor Charles Xavier. Welcome to my school. Temperance, I presume?"
Temperance inclined her head politely and, after a painful nudge in the ribs from her mother, added a polite "Hello."
"This is Kitty Pryde, also called Shadowcat. She will show you around this afternoon. You will also be her new room-mate."
Kitty waved and chirped, "Hi!"
"Mr. and Mrs. Bellview, if you'd follow me. Don't worry, Temperance is in the best of care." Said the Professor, noticing the looks of concern on the family's faces.
"Ok, Sweetie, be good and we'll see you before we leave!" called Temperance's mother, as Temperance and Kitty walked away.
"Oh, your stuff!" Kitty remembered, smacking her forehead. "Sorry, this is the first time I have ever taken care of a new student."
Temperance nodded.
"Shy, huh? That's all right; I was shy when I first came here, too. People are really nice, though. Watch." She said, running over to a muscular boy who looked to be about three or four years older than the two.
"Could you help us out, Peter?" asked Kitty, pointing at Temperance's luggage.
Peter obliged, muttering something that sounded an awful lot like, "Work, work, work."
"Where are these going?"
"My room. It should be unlocked."
Peter nodded and hefted the two very large suitcases onto his shoulders. Temperance made to follow him, but Kitty stopped her.
"You can put your stuff away later on, right now we'll do the tour. You have a nickname?" asked Kitty, "'Cause you won't get around here without one."
Temperance smiled. She had heard of mutants giving themselves names that usually had something to do with their mutation.
"Firefly." Replied Temperance simply.
"I like that." Said Kitty, "It sounds kind of classy."
They stopped in Storm's class first. She had welcomed them in and explained her subjects and then sent them on their way.
Next was the kitchen, which Firefly made a mental note of.
Then they stopped in the Art classroom, where Mr. Wagner had some of the younger students finger painting.
Next was Biology, Dr. McCoy was an excellent teacher. He was quite funny as well.
Firefly and Kitty also stopped down in the garage, where Firefly got to check out all the cars.
On their way down one of the dorm room hallways, Firefly noticed some of the children running downstairs yelling something about "The Danger Room"
When questioned on this, Kitty's face held a sly smile and she said, "The Danger Room is where all the students learn to fight and control their mutations. I'm not going to take you down there though." She added quickly. "I think you should experience it first during your first training session."
"But how will I know where to go?" asked Firefly smartly.
"Basement level 'D'. It can be accessed through any elevator." Replied Kitty, which ended the conversation.
Once Firefly had found out where her dorm was, she said a hurried, "I'll be back later," to Kitty. Then she was off to Professor Xavier's office.
Firefly found her parents sitting in chairs in front of the Professor's desk, talking happily.
"Ah, Temperance! We were just about to come and find you. How was the tour?"
"Great." Said Firefly.
"So, Honey? Do you want to stay?" asked her mother. Firefly nodded.
"Oh, we're going to miss you!" cried her mother jumping up and giving her daughter a hug. Her father joined in and it was a lovely family moment.
A/N: Hi, all! I have more chapters waiting so if you like this so far, tell me! Thanks!