Beautiful Claws by: Tauriel Rogers

20) A New Face

When we got back to the X mansion, me, Rogue, Iceman, and Pyro were called into the Professor's office. "We're so busted," I breathed as we briskly made our way through the school.

"They were being jerks! We couldn't just let them stand there and keep talking like that!" Iceman pointed out.

"And they were offensive," Rogue muttered under her breath.

"They got what they deserved, now let's get this over with," Pyro said bored, opening the door for the 4 of us. We filed in and sat down in the front row of classroom seats. Professor X was seated behind his desk with Scott and Jean on one side and a still upset Storm on the other side.

"We're here to discuss what happened at the food court today," Jean announced.

"Yeah, we know so we can get this done with?" Pyro asked moodily.

"You need to lose that attitude of yours!" Scott scolded him. Pyro put his hands up in defense and got comfy in his seat.

"Why did you use your powers in public after we've repeatedly warned you of the dangers that could follow?" Storm asked. Iceman and Pyro exchanged pointed glances and Iceman cleared his throat.

"They were bullying us," he said quietly.

"And that makes it ok?" Storm questioned.

"No it doesn't, but-" Pyro cut him off with,

"They were messing with girls and I wasn't going to let them talk to them the way they were," Pyro explained. Jean pieced it together and a look of understanding crossed her face.

"What were they saying?" Scott asked.

"They were trying to hit on us and wanted us to go with them, away from the group. They called us losers," Rogue answered.

"Nobody was hurt and those boys deserved what they got," I spoke up. "I know we broke the rules, but what would've happened if Pyro hadn't stepped up?" I made my point, backing Pyro up. The teachers glanced amongst each other, not knowing what to say to that.

"I think we can handle it from here," Professor X came to a conclusion. When we were out in the hallway I left everyone behind, heading straight to the training hall to let off some steam. I threw a shirt on over my tank top that was underneath my other shirt and threw my hair up in a ponytail. I set up the multipurpose room so I could hit some targets. I was full of emotions and let myself free, throwing fireballs at the targets with my fists like a fire bender from Avatar. The targets started moving catching me slightly off guard, but I rolled with it and continued to let loose. I felt someone touch me from behind and sent a punch behind me as I turned around.

"Whoa Anna! Watch where your throwing that!" Pyro exclaimed. I turned back around and let some more fire balls reach their targets. "Sorry if I got you in trouble today," he said.

"Nobody was hurt, so I don't see why you're apologizing," I told him.

"You looked upset and annoyed so I wanted to clear the air," and then when I didn't answer, "Enjoy your training, or whatever the heck you're doing," he said turning to leave.

"Pyro," I called and after he turned back around, "Could you help me with some training? I'm doing really well with my ice abilities, but not to so much with my heated fire powers," I told him. Pyro was deep in thought for a moment.

"Where do you wanna start?" he asked.

"I don't know how to control the heat or flame. I know when I'm mad it works better, but I have no idea how to control the level of heat."