A/N: This story follows on from 'Through a Child's Eyes' and 'The Friend that was Lost'. It's pretty much essential to read both of those first.

A/N: This story will probably contain X2 spoilers.

A/N: Usual format, i.e. the prologue will be written in 3rd person, and the main story will be in 1st person, from the POV of Neil Rosicky

Introduction to four main characters:

OCULUS

Real name: Neil Rosiçky

Age: 17

Mutant abilities: Telescopic eyesight; X-ray vision; telepathy; telekinesis; berserk attack; healing ability.

History: Born an ordinary human, the only child of Davor and Anna Rosiçky. Neil's mother died in childbirth and his geneticist father cruelly used him as part of a mutation implant experiment. As a result of this, Neil possesses multiple gifts, and his power grows with each passing day. Also possessing leadership abilities, he was called upon to lead the X-Men for a brief period. A firm believer in thinking before acting, Neil is a patient and reasonable man. Despite being a member of the X-Men, he has a strong relationship with Magneto, based on mutual respect. Both have saved the other's life on occasion, and Neil has been tempted more than once to join Magneto's cause. Destined to become the most powerful mutant on Earth, Neil's real wish is to settle down with his true love Gaia, and start a family.

GAIA

Real name: Chloe Scott

Age: 16

Mutant abilities: Communication with and control of animals.

History: Beginning life as a frightened child who was uncertain of herself and her mutant powers, Chloe was protected from the world's bigotry by her parents, and even now is still cautious and careful in all she does. Chloe will never fight if there is another alternative, and detests all forms of violence. She joined the X-Men with the goal of preserving peace and freedom, and bears no hatred or malice towards the human race. Happiest when surrounded by nature, Chloe will use animals as weapons, but only as a last resort. Despite her cautious nature, she does not lack courage, and often berates Oculus for his overprotectiveness of her. Chloe cares deeply about her friends, and is always prepared to go out of her way to try and make them feel better.

SHAPESHIFTER

Real name: Chris Garcia

Age: 16

Mutant abilities: Changing entire body from solid to liquid, and vice versa; immune to temperature change.

History: Wiser and more cynical than his sixteen years might suggest, Chris has seen it all – or so he would have you believe. Never lacking confidence in his own ability, his bravery and motivational abilities are an invaluable asset to the group. Even in the face of death he will bring out a wisecrack of some kind, but this doesn't mean he does not take things seriously when necessary. Ironically, although he is used to always knowing exactly what to say in any situation, Chris is notoriously tongue-tied when discussing matters of the heart. The love affair between himself and Shock is his main interest, though it's unclear whether they spend more time courting or getting on each other's nerves.

SHOCK

Real name: Felicity (Fliss) Arkwright

Age: 15

Mutant abilities: Can generate and fire bolts of lightning; immune to electricity.

History: Forced to flee from her hometown to escape anti-mutant hatred, Fliss was rescued from Magneto's clutches by the three who would become her closest friends. Young and naïve, she has a strong sense of rights and justice, and refuses to surrender to anyone on issues about which she feels strongly enough. Used to having others alongside to protect her, Fliss has no real experience of looking after herself. As curious and fun-loving as any mid-teen, she never passes up an opportunity to learn more about herself, her powers, or her friends. Still a child in many ways, Felicity cannot understand the hatred humans have for mutants, and is determined to bring about peace.