Thanks to those who read the last chapter, favorited this story or me, and followed this story as well. :) Reviews would be greatly appreciated. I am incredibly sorry for the looong wait, but I wanted to finish up one of my other fanfics before I continued on with this one. Again, I am really sorry, but now this story has my full attention. :) Please R&R and I hope that you enjoy the latest chapter of Spirit's Life.

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Once we got back to the mansion after our visit to the museum, I headed up to my room, wanting some time to myself for a little while; being on my own for a month may have been a bit lonely, but I wasn't used to being back around so many people just yet.

I ran a hand through my hair as I opened my door, thinking that I was going to have to get it cut soon. I stepped into my room, a bit surprised at how neat it was; it was much neater than what it had been when I'd left. I gave a small smile as I went over to the window, opening it to let in the fresh air. Even though I'd been back for close to five days, I would still feel a bit claustrophobic with everything all closed up; I even left my door open so I could see who was passing by. As I stood by the window, taking in all the scents that came to me on the breeze, I almost didn't hear the footsteps that entered my room. I whipped around, my lips curling and white streaking my auburn hair as I prepared to shift. Instead, when I saw who it was, I grinned and the white left my hair.

"Hey Sprite," Logan said as he leaned against my doorway.

"Logan!" I cried, racing over to him and wrapping him in a gigantic hug. The burly mutant chuckled and hugged me back.

"How've you been, Sprite?" he asked.

"Well," I replied, pulling back to look at him. He didn't look any different, though he seemed tired and worn. "You seen Rogue and others?"

"I saw Rogue, but not the others. I just got back."

"I got back four days ago. I win!" I chuckled.

Logan frowned slightly. "When did you leave?" he asked.

"A month ago. Long story. I'll explain later," I told him.

"Fair enough."

I smiled, hugging him again. "I missed you." I could almost feel the smile that Logan gave.

"Missed you, too, Sprite."

I removed myself from him and grinned. "Others in Professor's room. Something happened as museum and it has everyone freaked out," I informed him.

Logan frowned again. "I better go talk to Chuck then and figure out what's going on," he said as he gave me a mock salute before heading off to find the rest of the pack. I watched him go before retreating into my room once more, sitting down on my bed and giving a happy sigh. Life was good.

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It was later that afternoon when I found that I had company.

I was enjoying a book about massive creatures called dinosaurs that I'd borrowed from the Professor's library when I heard the door creak open. I looked up from my book, remembering the page number that I was on before shutting it, and turning my gaze to the small mutant that stood at my doorway. It was Heather, the young mutant Rogue said could control shadows and talk those in the eternal hunting grounds.

"Yes?" I asked, cocking my head slightly to the side in curiosity at the young pup.

"Are you a dog?" she asked in turn.

I shook my head. "I'm not a dog, pup," I told her gently, mindful that if she could talk to the spirits, they would more than likely protect her if they could; being nonthreatening would probably be a good idea for now. "I am a wolf."

"Artie said that you were a dog," Heather said with a small pout.

I sighed and rose from my bed in one graceful movement. "I am not a dog," I repeated. "This is a dog."

I moved down onto all fours and allowed my German Shepherd form to take over my features. I watched Heather for a few moments before speaking.

"And this is a wolf," I told her in thought-speech, letting my fur become lighter, my legs longer, my feet and head larger, until I was standing in my wolf form.

"Wolf," Heather repeated. "Not a dog."

I nodded my head as I changed back into my human form. "Correct," I told her, sitting back down on my bed. The young pup came into my room, clutching a stuffed animal to her chest. It took be a second to realize that it was a red fox.

"You like foxes?" I asked. The girl was quick to nod her head.

"Yes. They are my favorite," she said. She hesitated and looked boldly at me, meeting my icy blue eyes with her dark grey ones. "Can you change into a fox?"

I smiled gently; I was beginning to really like the strong-willed pup. "Yes, I can," I replied, getting off of my bed once more. As soon as my feet touched the ground, they began to thin and shorten. I fell onto all fours, giving a low groan of pain as the change overtook me. I hadn't done a fox yet, so it was a bit painful, but not unbearably so. Soon enough, I shook out my scarlet red fur, looking at Heather with intelligent blue eyes.

Heather gave a grin of happiness, coming over and wrapping her arms around my thick, white ruff. "You're so pretty," she said. I felt the warmth of love and pride flow through me and I sat proudly, licking the pup with a small pink tongue. Heather giggled and finally released me. A knock on the door caught both of our attentions.

It was Jean.

"What are you two up to?" the redhead asked with a faint smile.

"We're just playing, Miss Jean," Heather said.

"Well, you should be in class, little one." Jean came into the room, picking up the young mutant and placing her on her hip. I took note of how Heather's grasp on her stuffed fox never lessened. "Sorry, Spirit. I hope she didn't bother you."

"Not at all," I replied as I changed back into my human form for the third time. "In fact, the pup is welcome back anytime. She is a pleasure to talk to."

Jean smiled warmly. "Well, that is good to hear," she said. "I'll just leave you now."

"See you later, Jean," I said as I stood up and sat back down on my bed.

Jean's head popped back into my room. "Oh, I almost forgot. Storm and I are heading out to look into the attack on the White House, and Scott and the Professor are going to go visit Magneto. Logan's in charge until we get back," she informed me.

I gave a small nod of my head. "Understood," I said. Jean smiled and gave a small wave before she left with Heather, who was now talking excitedly about her class to the older mutant. I chuckled and went back to reading, glad of the peace and quiet that seemed to surround the mansion.

If only I knew.

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I know you guys will be able to figure out what the next chapter is all about, so the more reviews I get, the faster I'll be able to get it up! ;) Thanks and I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter!