Two days later, I have my shifting down. From human to wolf, from wolf to human. It was actually really cool. It was easier to go from human to wolf, but I thought that was just because I was more used to being a wolf than a human. I grew up in that form after all. I had stayed close to the Professor in my wolf form, practicing with transmitting my thoughts. I had gotten better at that as well, though I had problems for when I lost my temper and couldn't keep them from spreading to most of the students in the school. But then again, it had only been two days.

I lay on the ground just by the Professor's desk, waiting for his next class. My ears prick up when the door opens and I watch the students filtering in. I give a happy wag of my tail when I saw Rogue enter the class. The young girl smiled when she saw me as well, waving slightly.

"Hey Spirit. Everything going ok?" she asked.

I give a nod. 'Everything is ok. Everything going ok with you?'

Rogue gave a nod, taking a seat. "Of course. Have you seen Logan around?"

'Last I see Logan he was in the hallway.' I answered. 'Why? Is something wrong?'

"Nothing's wrong," Rogue said. "I was just wondering." The brown haired girl suddenly turned her attention away from me to face a boy, who sat down next to her.

I scent the air, taking in the boy's scent. He smelled like cologne and something cold. Ice? I wasn't completely sure, but I swear that he smelled like ice. I give a shrug and lay my head back down on the ground.

The Professor gave his lesson, something that I was only partially listening to. I had heard this lesson already, at least three times.

Soon, the lesson was over and I gave a heavy sigh. Time for my private lesson with the Professor. He knew that he was going to have to train me differently than his other students because of my background. It didn't bother me. I preferred being alone. At times at least.

I flicked my ears towards the Professor, waiting for his instructions.

"Spirit, I would like to see if you have other forms besides the wolf and human forms you already have," he started, looking at me with determination.

He always seemed to have the determined look to him, no matter what was going on. I nod.

'What do you want me to do?' I ask him.

"I would like you to think of a dog, something similar to your wolf form so that you aren't pushing yourself too hard on the first day," the Professor said.

Again, I nod before closing my eyes. I remember reading a book from Professor Xavier's massive library. It was about wolves (no surprise there) and wild dogs. I remember most clearly the jackel, with its sharp, tall ears, its long legs and large feet. Its tan, black, grey, and white fur...the list went on and on and on...

I felt my muzzle shorten slightly, feet getting larger, body shorter and more wiry, fur shortening...

When I opened my eyes, I looked over at the window that sat just behind the Professor's desk. I smile inwardly at the sight of a black-backed jackel. I look back over at the Professor.

'I did it!' I cried with glee.

Xavier chuckled. "You did, Spirit. Very good. Does it hurt as much as when you change from human to wolf?" he asked.

'A bit, yes. But I have found that after shifting to forms for a certain amount of time, it doesn't hurt as much. I guess that it is experience,' I tell him, being truthful.

The Professor smiled gently. "Well, hopefully the pain won't be something that is permanent," he said. "I think that one shift for the day is good enough. I will see you tomorrow, Spirit."

I wag my tail and take a couple of minutes to shift back to my human form. "Thank you Professor," I tell him, keeping my sentences short. I was still getting used to the feel of talking by using my human mouth and learning the human language. I was getting better, like I was with everything else, but I still had a hard time with the larger words and such.

I flash him one last smile before slipping out of the room in search of Logan.

I finally found Logan in the kitchen, looking out one of the windows. I stand behind him, looking over his shoulder.

"Hey Sprite," Logan said without turning his head.

I give a huff at the nickname. Not my favorite at all. And I wasn't like the elves or fairies that were given the same name. I was much fiercer than they.

"Do not call me that," I growl, narrowing my eyes slightly.

Logan gave a rough chuckle. "Sorry, Sprite. It's habit." It was now that he turned to face me. "Nice suit."

I look down at the skintight, black material that encased my human form. The Professor had given it to me because it was one of the only materials that wouldn't be destroyed when I changed forms. And the others didn't seem to like it when I walked around without clothing on. I personally didn't see the point in having to wear such ridiculous things, but apparently it was good manners to cover oneself while in the presence of other humans.

I look back up at Logan. "Thanks," I tell him. "What were you looking at?"

A confused look passed Logan's rugged face. "What do you mean?"

I nod towards the window. "What were you looking at?" I repeated.

Logan shook his head. "Nothing," he said. "Just admiring the view."

I nod again. "Well, I'm going to explore the mansion. Want to come?"

"Nah. You go and have fun," Logan told me before looking back towards the window.

I shrug and shift into my wolf form before jogging out into the hallway to explore the rooms I had yet to find.

Night came quicker than I expected and I soon found myself back in my room, tired from the day's events. I keep to my wolf form and lay down in the top of the large bed, curling my tail over my nose and closing my eyes. I quickly fall into a light sleep...

Green everywhere. Tall trees and small trees. Bright berries and dull. Everything a wolf pup would be curious about. A young, white she-wolf darted from a bush, followed closely by a silver she-wolf and a black male wolf. The white she-wolf gave a small howl, though it wasn't as good or as beautiful as the two adult wolves howling, who were sitting on a large rock, watching their pups.

Young Spirit suddenly stopped and twirled on her hind legs, taking on both her brother and sister. Both siblings tackled her without mercy, but Spirit slipped out from under them, wrestling with her sister. Her brother nipped sharply on her ear and she turned on him, nipping his muzzle and paws. Their mother, a beautiful dark grey she-wolf with creamy white paws, gave a small bark, warning them to be careful. Spirit yipped back to her mother and was immediately tackled by her father, a muscular jet black wolf. Spirit nipped at the paws that held her to the ground. Her brother and sister joined her to tackle her father, all of them wrestling. Everything was perfect. Everything was-

The sharp, metallic scent of blood pulled me from my dream. I growl in annoyance. It had been one of the only dreams where I hadn't been thrashing in agony in months. I start to settle to go back to sleep before a familiar voice hit my ears.

"Somebody help!"

I immediately jump down from the bed, opening my door with a skilled twist of my jaws and bolt down the hallway towards Logan's room. The scent of blood got stronger, along with another familiar scent mixed with the blood. Rogue. I stiffen and run faster.

Once I finally get to the room, there is already a group of the other students gathered by the door. I snarl at them and they move out of the way to allow me through. I flick my ears forward, startled by the scene in front of me. Three puncture wounds went through Rogue's chest to her back. Her hand was on Logan's face, and right before our eyes, Rouge's wounds started to close. I give a slight whimper and back up slightly, right into Scott and Jean, who had finally arrived. Rogue released Logan and he fell to the floor, writhing, just as they came into the room.

"Scott, grab a pillow," Jean said, going over to Logan.

Rogue looked at the others, a scared look on her face. "It was an accident," she said softly before she hurriedly left the room. The people at the doorway backed off quickly, not wanting to touch her.

I growl at them and hurry after Rogue. 'You ok?' I ask her softly.

Rogue, tears in her eyes, shook her head, still hurrying towards her own room. "Not really," she said.

I jog to catch up with the young girl, touching my nose to her hand. 'What happened?'

"I went into Logan's room because I heard strange noises. I think he was having a nightmare or something," Rogue said. "I was trying to wake him up, but he freaked and h-h-he stabbed me." She took a shaky breath before continuing. "I touched him on instinct. You see, I...absorb people's life forces and make them my own. At least, that's what the Professor said. I guess when I touch a mutant, I get their powers."

Rogue entered her room, sitting down on her bed. "I don't know why I did it, Spirit," she said. "It was an accident, honest." Then she put her head in her hands and cried.

I did what any loyal wolf would do and lay down beside her, offering her comfort the best I could.

Sorry for the wait guys. I had writers block and I had school to deal with and...let's just say things have been a mess for a while. Again, sorry for the wait. I hope that you guys enjoy the chapter and please review! Thanks!

ML