"Where are we going?" Maria asked.

Michael smirked. "So you know lately I've been taking some extra classes with Beast? Learning how the machines in the school work and whatnot?"

Maria rolled her eyes. "To be honest I never really cared."

He chuckled. "Anyway, he taught me how to open this little thing called the danger room."

Maria's eyes widened in surprise. She smiled, the thought of smashing something sounded amazing. Just what she needed to release all the frustration that's been building up.

As the trio made their way to the Danger Room, Maria stopped them. "First let me get suited up."

Emberly rolled her eyes. "Please not the outfit."

Michal raised an eyebrow. "What outfit?"

"She has to wear this stupid outfit to train." Emberly sighed.

"It's hot and helps with my powers." Maria smirked.

"How does a short dress help with your powers?" Emberly asked.

Maria shook her off and exited the room. Michael turned to Emberly.

"How long is she going to take?" He asked.

Emberly shrugged. "It could be anywhere from forty minutes to three hours."

Michael's jaw dropped. "Your kidding right."

"I just don't know how to get through to her." Storm sighed.

She sat on the ledge by the Professor's window, staring out into the gray sky as she spoke.

"Maria is a …complex girl. Give her time, she'll listen to you eventually." He said.

Storm frowned. "I always thought I was the favorite teacher here. I know it's shallow, but I enjoyed the love. A lot of these kids are rejected by their own family, so I take pride in being there for them."

Professor X realized what she was getting at. "You feel that by Maria not feeling that same connection with you that you failed her."

Storm sighed. "I suppose."

He smiled. "Ororo, you're a great teacher. When you were a child, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get through to you either. Give Maria time." He smiled.

She nodded. Perhaps the professor was right, all Maria needed was time.

A knock-on Vincent's door startled the boy awake. He frowned as he sat up.

"Another groupie paying me a late-night visit?" Vincent wondered aloud.

The boy made his way to his door and opened slowly, he was surprised to see Hank and a young boy standing in the doorway.

"Evening Vincent." Hank said.

Vincent smiled weakly and turned to the boy. He was definitely on the more extreme side of physical mutations, he was short, with tan skin and bright green eyes. His hair was bright red with a black stripe in the front, his mouth hung open due to large canine teeth. However what Vincent's eyes focused on was the auburn colored tail that trailed out of the base of his spine.

"I want you to meet your new roommate." He said.

Vincent frowned. "What do you mean new roommate?"

Hank sighed. "There was complications with his last roommate, he needs a new place to stay."

"What is this kid like ten? He can't room in here with me." Vincent frowned.

"I'm twelve." The boy said in a quiet voice.

Hank frowned. "I know this isn't ideal, but you have no choice, he's staying." Hank said.

Hank gently nudged the boy into the room, before walking off leaving the two boys by themselves. Vincent sighed and looked at the boy.

"What's your name?" He sighed.

"Berndt." He said quietly.

Vincent raised an eyebrow. "Interesting name."

Vincent's eyes trailed down to the boys feet. He wore no shoes, allowing Vincent to see his hairy, masculine, feet that were shaped like paws.

"Where are your shoes?" Vincent asked.

"Shoes make me uncomfortable." Berndt said.

Vincent sighed. "Lovely. Listen you stay on your side of the room and I'll stay on my side."

"Okay I'm done." Maria said.

Michael and Emberly turned to see Maria in her uniform. Her black hair flowed loosely, almost like a shadow. Maria wore a black catsuit with a white X across the chest. However her face was the most surprising part, her face was painted black and white to look like a skull.

"You look like your going to participate in Day of the Dead." Michael smirked.

Maria ignored him and turned to Emberly. "You ready to cause a little chaos." She smiled.

Emberly chuckled before leading her friend to the Danger Room.

"Night Malia." Kit said.

The boy waved as he walked out of her room, however as he head out he bumped into Amor. Kit groaned.

"What do you want Amor?" Kit asked.

Amor pouted. "Come on Kit, sound more enthusiastic to see me. You know we could be friends. Very good friends." She winked.

"Lay off Amor." Kit said.

Amor frowned. "And to think I was going to help you."

Amor turned and dramatically marched away from Kit. Kit frowned, the thought that Amor of all people could help him intrigued him.

"What do you mean help me?" Kit asked.

Amor stopped and turned around, showing Kit a delicate yet vicious smile.

"I know who Shango is." She chuckled.

With that Amor turned and strutted away from the boy leaving him speechless.

Berdnt was submitted by MaMacMu