Chapter Six: Ripples in the Water
Faith adjusted her jacket as she stepped onto the X-Mansion's training field the next morning. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew, and the first rays of sunlight spilled over the treetops. The calm was deceptive, she knew—moments like these rarely lasted long in their world.
The field was empty except for one figure near the far edge. Ororo stood with her arms outstretched, her serene expression framed by the golden light. As Faith approached, she caught the faint shimmer of water rising in delicate arcs around Ororo, droplets dancing in the air as though obeying an invisible symphony.
"Morning," Faith called, breaking the silence.
Ororo turned, offering her a small smile. "Good morning. I wasn't expecting company so early."
Faith shrugged, stepping closer. "Couldn't sleep much. Figured I'd get some air."
"Understandable," Ororo replied. The arcs of water dissipated, falling back to the ground. "Yesterday was intense for all of us."
Faith nodded, her thoughts flickering back to the storm. "I still don't know how I didn't lose control completely. It felt like the power was… too much. Like it could swallow me whole."
Ororo's gaze was steady, her tone calm. "That is the nature of power, Faith. It doesn't define you, but how you respond to it does. Yesterday, you proved you can rise to the challenge—even when it feels impossible."
Faith shifted on her feet. "Yeah, but what if next time I don't? What if I mess up and hurt someone?"
"You're not alone in this," Ororo said, stepping closer. "Logan, myself, the entire team—we're here to catch you if you fall. But more importantly, you must learn to trust yourself. The storm inside you is a part of who you are. It doesn't have to be your enemy."
Faith looked at Ororo, feeling the weight of her words settle over her. She wanted to believe it, but the doubt clung stubbornly to her mind.
"Thanks," she murmured.
Ororo smiled softly and gestured toward the mansion. "Come. Breakfast is about to be served, and Logan has probably claimed half the bacon already."
Faith chuckled despite herself and followed Ororo back toward the house.
The dining hall buzzed with the usual chaos of students and staff. Plates clattered, laughter echoed, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with pancakes and eggs. Faith grabbed a plate and joined Jubilee and Kurt at their table.
"You look like you fought a tornado," Jubilee teased, eyeing Faith's slightly disheveled appearance.
"Close enough," Faith replied with a grin.
"So, what really happened out there yesterday?" Kurt asked, his golden eyes curious. "I heard Logan talking about it in the hallway, but he's not exactly the storytelling type."
Faith hesitated, unsure how much to share. The memory of the storm was still raw, but she could see the genuine concern in their eyes.
"It was... rough," she admitted. "There was this moment where everything felt out of control. Like I was going to lose myself in the power. But Logan—" She paused, her voice faltering. "Logan pulled me back."
Jubilee smirked. "Sounds about right. For all his grumpiness, the guy's got a soft spot for us misfits."
Kurt nodded thoughtfully. "He sees strength in us that we don't always see in ourselves."
Faith glanced toward the far corner of the room, where Logan sat with Hank, his trademark scowl in place as he argued over a newspaper headline. She allowed herself a small smile.
Later that afternoon, Faith found herself in the Danger Room, its metallic walls gleaming under the artificial light. Today's session was a solo exercise—a test of focus and endurance.
"Initiate Level Four Simulation," she called out, her voice echoing.
The room shifted, holographic projections creating a dense forest around her. The temperature dropped, and a low growl rumbled from the shadows. Faith tensed, her hands crackling with faint blue energy.
A massive beast emerged, its eyes glowing red and its claws gleaming like steel. It lunged, and Faith reacted instinctively, dodging to the side and hurling a bolt of energy. The creature roared in response, shaking the simulated ground beneath her feet.
The fight was relentless, each attack testing her control over her abilities. Her chest burned with exertion, but she refused to back down. As the creature charged again, she closed her eyes, drawing on the techniques Ororo had taught her.
"Deep breaths. Steady hands. The energy listens to you."
The storm within her calmed, and she felt the power flow through her, controlled and deliberate. With a final burst of energy, she struck the beast, watching as it dissolved into shimmering particles.
The simulation ended, and Faith sank to her knees, breathing heavily. She barely noticed the door slide open behind her until Logan's voice broke the silence.
"Not bad," he said, his tone gruff but approving.
Faith turned, wiping sweat from her brow. "Were you watching?"
Logan shrugged. "Had a feeling you'd push yourself too hard. Guess I was wrong."
She smiled faintly, standing on shaky legs. "Thanks… for yesterday. I don't think I ever said that properly."
Logan crossed his arms, his gaze steady. "Don't need thanks, kid. Just keep showin' up. That's how you get stronger."
Faith nodded, the weight of his words settling over her. For the first time, she felt a flicker of confidence—an ember waiting to grow into something more.
As she left the Danger Room, Logan's voice followed her.
"Storms come and go, Faith. Just remember—you're the one in control."
And for the first time, she believed it.