Chapter Three
Trina de Wynter examined herself critically in the mirror on her wardrobe door.
She looked alright, she supposed. She wasn't normally superficial, but it was hard starting at a new school mid-semester; first impressions always lasted.
Trina sighed. She had no idea what to expect from 'training'. Her grey sweats, blue vest top and trainers would have to do. She left her white-blonde hair hanging loose and put an elastic around her wrist in case she needed it. She spared herself one last glance in the mirror and dashed out the door.
When she got to the foot of the main staircase she found Kitty waiting for her. She seemed sweet and Trina hoped they would be friends. Thankfully, Kitty was dressed in the same manner as she was. Suddenly, Trina felt a lot more confident in herself.
Kitty walked with her to a large, grassy hollow in the mansion's grounds. At the base of the slope several small clusters of students stood chatting and sparring playfully. Kitty led Trina over to a pair of boys about their age who were chatting quietly to a pretty girl with a white streak in her dark hair.
"Hi guys," Kitty greeted them, flitting to the side of the taller boy. "This is Trina."
"Hey," said Trina shyly. She didn't like being the centre of attention.
"I'm Peter," the tall boy greeted her, pumping her hand energetically. "Kitty's been telling us we have a new girl. It's great to meet you."
"And I'm Marie," the pretty girl piped up in a Southern drawl. Playfully, she ruffled the other boy's hair. He seemed to be in a world of his own,
"Bobby," he supplied. "So, what do you do?"
"I can show you, if you like. Here, give me your hand. You too, Kitty." They complied, looking simultaneously confused and curious. It only took a moment, and then Trina took a step away from the others.
Carefully, she sized up a tree at the far side of the hollow. She took aim and in an instant one of the branches was frozen solid. Then she sank herself into the ground and emerged quickly before metalling up, just like Peter could do.
"I'm a mimic," she explained. "Once I've been in contact with another mutant, I can use their talent myself."
"Cool," Peter enthused. Trina smiled gratefully.
"I have got one talent of my own. I read people. I can see their thoughts, figure out what's going on in their head. And, if I've got a personal belonging, I can track them."
"Wow," Marie whispered softly. She looked impressed.
There was movement at the top of the slope; Storm was coming. Silence fell like a blanket over the group. Marie picked up a paperback off the ground, kissed Bobby lightly on the cheek and settled down about halfway up the slope.
Storm descended gracefully but purposefully. She scanned the assembled students quickly then heaved out an anxious sigh. "Has anybody seen Logan?" she called out, sounding resigned to a negative reply. She turned on her heel, heading back the way she had come. At the lip of the hollow she looked back over her shoulder. "Trina, Marie, could you come with me please? The rest of you wait here. Ella, could you get us some mats please? Sparring only thank you Bobby, no powers."
Marie looked as bewildered as Trina felt. The two of them hurried up the slope after Storm. Once they were out of earshot of the rest of the group, the principal turned to face the two girls. "I need your help," she explained, "With Logan."