The black sedan rolled up the long driveway before stopping in front of an enormous Victorian mansion. Sean Cassidy stared out the window.
Scott Summers
You're kidding.
Alex Summers
What?
Scott Summers
This is a school?
Alex Summers
smirking Looks more like somebody's rich uncle's house.
Sean Cassidy
laughing I already like it.
The doors opened, and the new arrivals stepped out. Angel adjusted her sunglasses while Darwin quietly looked around the grounds. The front door opened. A smiling man walked down the steps.
Charles Xavier
Welcome. I'm Professor Charles Xavier.
Beside him stood a young scientist with glasses.
Charles Xavier
This is Hank McCoy. He'll be showing you around.
Hank McCoy
smiling nervously Nice to meet you all.
Sean Cassidy
So... we're really not the only mutants?
Charles Xavier
smiling warmly Not even close.
Inside, the mansion buzzed with life. Students carried books through the halls while distant laughter echoed upstairs. Nobody stared. Nobody looked afraid. For the first time... None of them felt out of place.
Sean Cassidy
grinning This place is incredible.
Alex stayed quiet, taking everything in.
Hank McCoy
opening a large set of doors Training room.
The walls were covered with scorch marks.
Sean Cassidy
...Should I be concerned?
???
BOOM!
The building shook. Dust drifted from the ceiling. Hank sighed.
Hank McCoy
...That happens.
A blue-skinned young woman rounded the corner before instantly transforming into an ordinary-looking blonde.
Sean Cassidy
That was awesome.
Raven Darkhölme
smiling I'm Raven.
Sean Cassidy
pointing beside him I'm Sean. And this is Alex.
Alex Summers
nodding Nice to meet you.
Charles Xavier
Classes are ending now. You'll meet everyone else in just a moment.
Almost on cue, the school bell echoed through the mansion. Classroom doors opened. Students began filling the hallways. From down the corridor, two girls walked together—one with dark skin and purple-highlighted hair, the other with a quiet, easy smile.
Melanie Carlson
nudging Y/n with her elbow Well, well. Looks like we got new faces.
Melanie tilted her head toward the group by the front doors. Y/N looked over just as Alex glanced up. For only a second. Just long enough to notice someone watching.
Sean Cassidy
bounding toward you both Hey! Hi! I'm Sean! I just got here—
Melanie Carlson
laughing We can tell.
Sean Cassidy
This place is insane. In a good way. There's actual food? Like, real food?
Melanie Carlson
grinning Best part of the day.
Sean laughed, but Alex stayed back by the door. His hands were buried in his pockets. His eyes swept the hallway like he was waiting for something to go wrong.
???
from behind him It gets easier.
Alex Summers
turning sharply ...What?
???
Being the new one.
A boy about his age leaned against the wall, arms crossed. His voice was calm and easy, his expression unbothered.
Armando Muñoz
I'm Darwin. Arrived a few weeks ago. Same look you're wearing. It passed.
Alex Summers
quietly I'm not wearing any look.
Darwin
smirking Sure.