Chapter 2:

Emma Frost looked at the files of the two transfers from Ayanami High. Only a beta telekinetic and a mutant with unknown powers, what a motley group. The only reason Silence was discovered to be a mutant was because of a common blood test all students were required to take. She heard a car pull up and sensed two minds. She frowned and went downstairs to greet the new arrivals

She saw three people get out of the car, but she only sensed two. The girl’s mind was sharp and bright whereas the boy … wasn’t there. It was like he didn’t have a mind, just emptiness. Emma frowned but went to greet the children.

Emma shook the Asian woman’s hand. “I’m Emma Frost, headmistress of the Salem Academy. Welcome.”

Ms. Sanjiro smiled warmly. “Yuriko Sanjiro. And this is Bethany Thompson and this is Silence.”

Bethany eyed Ms. Frost coldly and nodded to her. She didn’t take her eyes off of the telepath. Although she could feel the cold threads of a probe enter her mind, the shields on the inside held. Silence, when he was himself, did an excellent job with the shielding.

Ms. Frost smiled coolly. “Let’s get the two of you settled in.” She led the two teenagers into the house. Ms. Sanjiro watched them enter the house then walked back to her car. She picked up the phone and dialed a number.

“Sir, they’re in.” She hung up and drove away.

Jubilee was reading when Emma brought the new guys in. The girl looked normal, but the guy needed a serious makeover. He looked like a Goth but it looked like no one was home. She got off the couch and walked over to them. “Hi, I’m Jubilation Lee. Just call me Jubilee.”

The girl assessed her with cold eyes but smiled warmly. “Bethany, my friends call me Red.”

“Must be the hair right?” Jubilee looked enviously at the waist length red mane.

“It’s a pain, but it looks great.” Bethany laughed, finally warming up. “This is Silence. He doesn’t talk.” Silence ignored them and wandered off. Emma was about to after him when Bethany said, “Don’t worry about him. He’ll be fine.”

Silence wandered around the house, but something else was happening in his mind. For the first time in years, he woke up. He took off his black trench coat and hung it over his shoulder. Looking around fearfully, he headed away from the presences he felt. He read the sign on the door in a husky unused voice. “Terrarium?” He pushed open the door and walked inside.

It was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. It was like a miniature rainforest. He could feel the warmth and the moist air. He left his coat on a tree branch and began to explore the forest. He was unconcerned that his glasses would fall off because they were secured by clasps to his skin. He ran through the forest, uncaring whether he left tracks or not. He jumped onto a tree branch and began to swing through the tree branches. Vaguely, he remembered a man who grew up among apes. He laughed and landed on the floor as neatly as a gymnast. He turned around and saw a figure watching him in the bushes.

She had seen him come in and watched his progress through the trees. Something about him seemed familiar, friendly. He saw her but didn’t approach her.

Silence saw the girl and cocked his head to the side. He didn’t sense her like the others. She seemed.. like him, silent. He sat down and look at her curiously. He felt a connection to her but it was nebulous.

Penance crawled hesitantly towards the boy, sensing a hunger, a need, a longing within both of them. She stopped about two feet away from him and held out her hand. He touched her hand and for a brief second, her flesh became soft and malleable. Then

Pain, suffering, longing, a need for companionship, a love. Two lonely people meet, both trapped within their minds and for a brief second, both of them decided to come out of their shells. For a brief second, the outside world vanished and all that remained were themselves.

I am named Penance, before I was someone else. But she is gone

I am named Silence, before I was someone else. But he is gone

I want to be alone, too much pain, suffering, fear, anger. No one can hurt me.

I want to be me, not him. Too many memories, too much pain and suffering. Hide.

Will you be my friend?

Yes

They both opened their eyes and looked at each other. Silence hung in the air, yet they talked. Secrets would be kept, and they wouldn’t be alone again. Silence held her hand and nodded. No words were needed. She pulled him to his feet and she led him into the trees.