Everyone has a secret [Grace]

[phoenix]

Jean caressed the banister fondly; the feeling of home had never been stronger than this return. Memories came flooding back and one would have been thankful, if not for the missing faces and names she could not put on students or such. She grew up in this mansion and learned what it takes to be a mutant and how to be an X-man. She felt close to this place, but for an ominous reason it seemed so far away as if a lifetime has passed and everything changed, leaving her behind in the past; forgotten.

Teaching was an important role in her life time. She enjoyed teaching eager student and to reach out to the students who needed a mentor and a friend. Looking at the children enjoying each other, making new bonds and friendship pulled a genuine smile from her lips. Jean never felt this much at peace and since she has returned with the Professor, hopefully to discover why her memories have been fading silently like an old photograph, Jean was trying her best to ease into her new life without disturbing the lives around her.

But she knew, like many of the students here know, the past can quickly catch up.

[grace]

A young female wearing tight jeans,a brown winter Ugg styled boots, and a nice pin striped black dress shirt. The top buttons were unbuttoned in the fashion to show off her cleavage like most woman did. She walked out of one of the corridors, or hallways, as some of the younger mutants ran off in different directions. This female looked of Asian descent, and walked towards the staircase. She started to walk down and spotted an unfamiliar female at the bottom of the stairs. She seemed to be in deep thought and not really be aware of her surroundings. This female that was approaching from the top of the staircase was Grace Knight.

Grace approached the woman named Jean. Stopping about two steps above her, she looked slightly down to meet eye level with the woman. "Hello, are you new to this school?" she asked curiously. Grace was an easy person to talk with because she was very outgoing. She was a natural born communicator, but it was harder to get her trust. Grace had not made much friends, or even acquaintances as of yet. She thought it would be easier to spot out the newer people and make friends with them, then the ones who've been around longer.

Grace looked at the older woman, she was pretty and her hair was a very unique color. "Your hair is very pretty," Grace commented, although she wasn't used to people, she was getting used to them once again. "By the way, I'm Grace Knight," the Korean female introduced herself, extending a soft hand in between them.

[phoenix]

“Hmm?” Jean slowly replied, her mind focusing less on the past and on the female standing before her. The young lady looked late teens, or maybe early twenties. There was a quick impression of maturity Jean felt when she looked into the dark eyes of the Asian and she wondered if the girl name Grace was a full-fledged X-men. Jean could not know the answer unless trying to dip inside her mind, but she control the impulse to do so after the Professor placed his trust in her and recover from whatever that was wrong with her.

“Thank-you,” Jean replied when the girl complimented on her hair. Instinctively, her hands rose to the tip of her hair and summoned the curls to her left shoulder. Wearing nothing more than a simple scarlet dress she found from her old closet, which amazingly has been left the same, Jean felt it was appropriate since she hoped it would impress the young students after her long absence. Removing her hand from the hand-crafted banister, she looked up with kind eyes, her full attention on the curious.

“No, I’m not new.”Jean spoke gently, casually stepping to the side in case the Asian female desired to walk the remaining two steps. “You’re are not a student, though are you.” She patiently replied, a more of a comment than a question. Jean understood the phases of young students and over the years learned how long they have been in the mansion or how well they knew their powers just by looking into their eyes.

[grace]

The scarlet dress that the woman was wearing was brilliant and complemented her figure very well. Grace was curious of who this woman could be. The younger Asian saw there was a hint of melancholy in Jean's voice, or maybe it was a hint of reminiscing. Grace wished for telepathic powers at time, but she was pleased with her own. "No, I'm not a student here, but I'm fairly new and I haven't seen you before, so I assumed the same about you," Grace explained, as she stepped down. Jean was slightly taller than Grace so now they were at perfect eye level. Grace seemed to understand the older female's, from simply meeting her for the first time. There was something about Jean that Grace seemed to understand, it was some kind of plain that lurked in Jean, a need to fix something that wasn't right. Grace wasn't sure and was feeding her mind some thoughts.

"Are you a professor here, then?" the Asian asked as her dark eyes looked into the brighter eyes of the older woman. "What is your power?" Grace asked, the question she had been itching to ask this new person. She was always fascinated by mutants and their unique powers, everyone seemed to get different variations or completely different powers. Grace stood silently waiting for a reply. As they were talking to one another, a group of kids flurried out from above and came running down the stairs. There was a moment that paused as the children ran by, the children were of their pre-teens and their early teenage years. Some of them were there since they were much younger, maybe they would know Jean.

[phoenix]

Situated well in their conversation, Jean felt at ease talking with the Korean female. The cheerful display of kindness from a stranger rekindled Jean’s keen interest to learn more about what has happened in the last few months. She took notice of how the younger woman expressed a natural gift for conversing, how caring and wise she is despite her young age. Her inquisitive nature seemed almost quite innocent, as though she hoped to learn as much as she could. "I have been gone for a long time. It was here at the mansion the Professor taught me to control my powers." Jean chuckled at the slight irony hidden within her soft statement, judging losing control was once her downfall.

Jean lingered for a moment longer before guiding her eyes towards the hall’s end. The mansion was indeed large, literally more than what meets the eye and recently returning that very morning, Jean felt the need to slowly enjoy the moment of normalcy with Grace. Stepping to the side, a silent invitation towards Grace, as the red-haired female gently nudged her head into the hall’s direction as if asking if Grace want to accompany her. "That’s right. I was a Professor, a long time ago. But now I’m not sure if I can return as if nothing has happened. But this is my home, the only place where I feel protected and safe."

Jean’s curious features lit up into a true smile as Grace simply asked what her powers were. The young female’s passion was extraordinary and she knew for the same reason, the Professor would be proud. As if confirming her suggestion, a flock of students started to run downstairs as a few turned towards Jean and what may have been recognition on their faces. Surely some might have remembered their old teacher because Jean could vaguely remember them more than a few months ago, and as she slowly shook her head as if telling them not to run so fast—a few actually sped down as they continued to follow their friends. Each one of them was full of life, and just like Grace, filled with potential as they were the future the Professor dreamed of.

"Do you understand the Professor’s powers?" The psychic asked, looking at Grace and waited patiently for an answer before continuing."My powers are very similar, although it is only an extent of what he can do."

[grace]

Grace followed in Jean's steps towards one of the large hallways in the mansion. The hallway had different chairs and coffee tables scattered around. It was the hallway near the rooms where most of the children shared. But the children were all in class, or out playing it would be a more secluded place for them to talk. Grace took a seat as they continued talking. Jean was very mature and she seemed like an older sister figure in some ways. Grace felt there was an odd connection from Jean. There was a saying Grace heard before, "Maybe we were friends in a life before this one." Those were words that could keep a person thinking.

It seemed Jean had a long relationship with the mansion, the Professor, and in general this small, close mutant community. "I haven't met the 'Professor' that people speak about, for the most part I've been keeping to myself these first few months," Grace explained. "I didn't know if I wanted to stick around or not, so I took the room given to me by the head mistress, Storm?" Grace said, in a questioning tone not sure about the woman's name. The female's trust issues were obviously in play for she went months without socializing. She was basically a ghost, but slowly interaction became inevitable. "All I've heard about him concerning his powers is that he is simply one of the more powerful mutants," she further informed Jean.

[phoenix]

Jean stride down the hallway, perfectly balancing her focus on the beautiful Asian woman and trying to pinpoint the exact reason she felt at ease with Grace. Normally Jean kept a professional level between student and teacher only because, although she deeply cared for the young mutants, she failed to form a bond between them such as the Professor did naturally. Memories were sketchy from time to time, but since returning to the mansion having a discussion with Grace eased Jean into accepting her place. The conversation seemed comfortable and since Grace had not dumped question about her last whereabouts, since Jean rarely answer that question herself, speaking to another female without the pressure of all it took most of the stress away from expectations.

"Storm," Jean repeated when Grace had brought up the name of another Professor, or at least was since Jean could last remember. "I’m so glad she’s doing well. And as the headmistress? She must be exhausted from all the hard work, but I couldn’t think of someone better for the job." Jean copied Grace’s actions as she sat down on one of the many chairs suited for mansion life. Accompanied with antique tables and matching chairs, paintings hang on the walls occasionally; Jean had forgotten what luxury the mansion was like compared to a vague memory of a desolate and lonely place.

"You have yet to meet the Professor?" The red hair woman questioned as Grace continued to say she has mainly stayed within her room and away from people. "I think we should fix that." Jean suggested, smoothing out the wrinkles that formed within her dress. It mainly was instinctive as Grace commented on the Professor being one of the most powerful mutants. Grace seemed extremely smart, insightful and naturally curious, which made an excellent X-man. Jean could only hope that someday she might convince Grace to meet the Professor when he was free and perhaps worked alongside as a fellow X-man.

"You haven’t mentioned your abilities", asking out of curiosity as Jean mentally made a note to talk to the Professor. “I shouldn’t be forward like this, and if I’m trespassing let me know since I understand not wanting to share thing from the past. But may I ask if you are enjoying it here? There are many students here and I know for a fact the Professor would never want someone to feel left out or out of place” The once teacher asked, trying to keep her questions simple without offending her new friend.

[grace]

Grace simply looked at Jean as they kept on talking. She smiled softly as Jean asked her about her powers. Jean seemed to tread carefully when speaking. It seemed that Jean was very cautious, not wanting to step on the wrong toes. Grace knew there was something that Jean had in mind and wanted to let it go, but it seemed even Jean didn't know exactly what it was. The happier things in life, the things you could relate to others with, and all those other small characteristics of people was the life of the conversation. Those were mainly what people used to communicate, build friendships. That was how it all started, Grace knew that but she had the hardship of passing that line of trust she needed within friends.

The female mutant waited for the older mutant to finish, "My powers... I guess they are very different, I think it is easier to simply let you experience it, if you don't mind," Grace told Jean. The Asian hoped Jean wouldn't take offense to her ability, Jean seemed mature enough to handle something of one's ability. She seemed more curious than worried about Grace's powers. Grace extended her fingers and held Jean's hand in her's. Slowly Jean would feel her hand getting heavier and heavier. Grace clenched her teeth, as a ringing pain in her mind existed as she tried to go further. She knew her own limits and stopped, knowing she made her point. "I can manipulate the molecules in bones basically, and change their weight, or density," Grace explained, "I usually fatigue much easier when I try to use my ability on other people, since everyone's DNA is different especially within mutants, I need to understand the structure of one's bones to completely control it, that is why I only use that ability to myself," Grace finished. "Oh! And I guess I have a little trick up my sleeve to, I have 'sniper vision' as I call it," she said.

Grace felt comfortable being around Jean, she wanted to trust the older woman, but the same thing kept holding her back. She knew that there were things she needed to work on, so Grace knew it would be better to make acquaintances first. That would start her relationships with others, she wanted friends but her own mind made it hard on herself.

[phoenix]

Jean shook her head when Grace asked if she mind, as the young Asian demonstrated her power. She could feel the weight of her hand growing heavier as if someone had place a piece of lead or rather something heavy within her grasp. Taking a second to observe how much focus Grace had to give as she concentrated giving Jean the idea how much effort went into making someone’s bones grew or lesson in density. As a doctor, Jean had to agree with Grace, as she declared that to use the ability she must know the anatomy as well a clear vision of whose DNA since everyone was different.

Grace’s potential impressive and it seemed a shame to have her abilities and not be given the kind of attention she might need to grow as a powerful mutant. What surprised Jean the most was Grace understanding of her power and the extension of her limits. In her field, while younger students are commonly less skilled with their powers, they normally don’t have a clear awareness how they must to improve and would normally push themselves when all they are really doing is hindering their performance.

"You have remarkable control," Jean noticed, going into almost into her doctor mode. As educated in the physiology and anatomy of the human body, and research of the x-gene, Jean was interested in the abilities Grace possesses. "If you ever decide, I think it would be worth to stay and study how to improve on your abilities. You already have knowledge of how to stay focus and clearly know your own limitation, if I must say that a lot of mutants lack." Jean looked up from her hand when Grace mentioned a Sniper Vision, a name that might already explain itself, the woman only wanted to learn more. Only first meeting Grace, Jean felt comfortable enough to talk about Grace’s powers where normally she might have left the subject alone. "So explain to me what Sniper is?"

[grace]

Grace accepted Jean's compliments with a light smile. The only reason why Grace knew how to control her powers and knew her limits so well was her past. She had grown up as a weapon and a spy. Being used as a weapon, her abilities were constantly in need of attention. Especially since her ability was the reason for her captivity. That was how she mastered her ability for her own anatomy structure. But Grace wanted to expand her abilities far beyond simply changing the molecular structure of bones. She wanted to be able to produce and regenerate bones. That would be an amazing gift to have, but Grace learned early in life to appreciate the things you had.

"Well, I started to develop my powers at a young age and was basically forced to train with it," Grace kept on talking. "Besides, when you have nothing, but your power you learn to treasure it and use it for survival," Grace vaguely said. Though, Grace did not look like she came from a hard background that was only because she didn't really reveal it. Grace gave off the more the "life's good" attitude and it would seem she had an amazing family. It was simply because that was how she carried herself. Grace knew how to act around different people, and adjust herself to situations. She learned to adapt and survive as a child, so it was an instinct for her. "Sniper vision, basically I can change my eyesight like a scope on a sniper rifle," she began. "I can focus my vision to see up to half a mile with no consequences, but once I past that point a temporary blindness starts to take affect slowly," Grace informed Jean. Grace knew her powers very well and that was why she wasn't a student.

[phoenix]

Jean could appreciate the security of a comfortable life, although by no means of an easy life. In the recent memories she could remember, life was a little hectic and sometimes confusing, but her close relationship with the Professor had give her a stable and loving life. The red-headed teacher might not know or qualified to understand when Grace revealed she had been forced to use her special abilities for survival, so she eased back and did not push the matter further. Jean was just getting to know Grace as a person, not just someone with an amazing mutation and could not force herself to instantly become like the Professor to help. If Grace did decide in the end to meet with the Professor, Jean might be only allowed to help perhaps, but in the end it would be the Asian’s decision.

Jean listened to the dark brown-haired girl as she thoroughly explained what Sniper Vision was. It came to somewhat of a surprise when she discovered that the girl was able to look a half mile away. During her years, Jean could only doubt she met someone with that ability, but could not prove it to be truth since relying on her memories was such like relying on the wall to talk back if you begin randomly talking. “"Your powers are unusual. Have you used them often since coming to the Mansion? I have yet to determine if the school has changed since I have been away, but I do hope you are enjoying yourself here." Jean smiled, but the emotion did not reach her eyes. Talking with Grace was a wonderful way to learn about her and it did take her mind away from every life disturbances, but it was still a concern that would leave the back of her mind.

"By the way, I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Jean Grey." Jean introduced herself to the younger girl, holding out a hand to formally meet the girl she has been talking with, but yet to learn her name.

[grace]

Grace smiled once again, but in a long time the smiles that came up on her face were real. They showed a genuine happiness. This mansion was much more than what she had thought about it first. Grace assumed most of the people here were all the same, but slowly the female in front of her showed her there were different kind of people. Sure, Grace had simply met her, but she had met enough bad people to know one when she saw one. "I never really used my powers here, but I'm pretty convinced by now that this place is more than what I thought, so I'm planning on staying. I'll probably be using my powers more often now," she replied to Jean. The Korean met hands with Jean and a soft shake moved them in unison. "Grace Knight," she simply said, her smile still on her face.

"You never explained to me your powers, since I don't know the Professor, I have no clue," she said, remembering that they were so talkative they jumped subjects. Well, it was the active communication between two females to blame really. Grace's mind raced as she started to see that there might be people in the world she could trust.

[phoenix]

Jean finally learned the name behind the girl, Grace Knight. She did not seem to mind Jean asking questions about her powers and such, but to be safe, she decided to simply enjoy the pleasant company rather than play detective. Grace mentioned that she might be willing to stay, perhaps use more of her powers to learn about further controlling them. Jean was pleased, this meaning that she will able to see Grace more often than just having a short conversation and leave on their merry way. “That’s wonderful. If you need any help or just want to talk, swing by the room anytime. It’s not if I have much to do around the mansion.” Sure, Jean would like again earn her position back as a teacher, but honestly she was content.

“Well the range of my powers vary, even I don’t understand them sometimes.” Jean answered, thinking hard how to word it. “I have telekinesis, the ability to levitate things and telepathy, the ability to read/hear thoughts. I can also push a thought inside someone’s mind though I do not know the full extent. Rather than the simple basics, I never really tried much more than that.”

[grace]

"Wow, you know that the power that always amazed me was mind reading and telekinetic abilities," Grace replied to Jean. It was almost like fate wanted the two women to meet with each other. Grace was enjoying her time, she hadn't felt this happy since she had escaped the hands of the North Korean Communist government. "I once knew a boy in my mutant team who had amazing telepathy and telekinetic abilities, he could literally move a herd of elephants in one push," Grace told Jean. There was an aura of respect and kindness that flowed from Jean. Grace liked that presence. "There was another man in the same team that could control other people's mind, to a certain extent, but he was eliminated," Grace said casually as she was already on the topic of her mutant team.

Grace wondered about Jean's history, and past. But Jean had a gut feeling that those waters weren't supposed to be treaded on. The Korean respected people's privacy, because one of her pet peeves were people invading privacy. She simply looked at Jean, "Maybe you can introduce me to the Professor, after we're done talking?" she suggested. Grace wanted to meet the Professor, she was interested in people and telepathic/kinetic powers. So if a person had those abilities, he was much more interesting in Grace's eyes.

[phoenix]

Jean listened as Grace expressed that she once knew a few from her past with similar abilities. Grace spoke about the two men with psychic powers with fondness; obviously she had a great deal of experience with the world of mutants outside of the shelter protection of the Xavier Institute. Jean saw the strength of the younger female and the only thing she was that strength did not just come from living at home and dealing with the stress of everyone treating your different. Of course Jean would say all the mutants here had exceptional courage to come and control their powers, but she could sense Grace came from an unusual background.

“That’s unfortunate,” Jean replied at Grace’s lost, sensing just the slightest emotion coming for the Asian girl. “I know I can be of no comfort, but losing someone is always difficult.” Jean could not say for certain, but Grace seemed a very private person and the red-haired mutant respected that in the highest standard. The young Korean girl had an impression of self-discipline, not necessary distant, only that she have been unable to open for so long she trust might be difficult to gain.

As Grace mentioned to meet the Professor once they were finished talking, Jean nodded, pleased. “Yes, of course we will go see him. I will be there and if you have any questions in the least, please ask.” Jean replied, kindly smiled. “I might not have the knowledge to do work such as the Professor, but I hope you can think of me as a friend.