Jean looked over the data she had collected when Sarabi was unconscious. There were tremendous spikes in her brain waves from time to time, but nothing else completely unnatural. She turned and looked at Charles who just rolled into the medical bay.
�Anything abnormal in any of the data?� He asked. Jean shook her head no.
�I don�t understand what happened to her. She�s had memory flashbacks before and they�ve never done this to her before.� Jean commented. Charles nodded.
�They started when I came back didn�t they?� Jean and Charles turned to see Logan standing at the door. Charles shook his head.
�She�s had flashbacks before Logan.� He told him. Logan gave a mock smile.
�But never like this.� He said. Jean looked down.
�No, never like this.� She said.
�But it�s not your fault Logan.� Remus said walking in looking at a clipboard. �According to Cornelius there was more in that injection then something to make regeneration impossible.� He continued.
�What do you mean?� Charles asked. Remus showed Charles the clipboard. He took a moment to look it over then handed it to Jean. She looked at it then sighed.
�Wouldn�t it have gone away when she used the stones?� Jean asked.
�One would have thought so.� Remus said.
�Is there anyway to reverse it?� Logan asked.
�Of coarse there is�I always make antidotes for everything I made in that lab.� Cornelius said walking into the lab.
�Where is it?� Logan asked to which Cornelius sighed.
�Back at the compound, you know, the one Sarabi blew up not to long ago.� He answered. Logan growled but Cornelius held up his hand. �Don�t worry, it will be out of her system in a couple of days.�
�Are you sure?� Charles asked. Cornelius nodded with a smile.
�Just try to keep her from seriously thinking about it.� He said. Logan snorted.
�Yeah, that�ll be easy considering I am here.� He commented.
�She was alone when it hit her last time, so I don�t think it�s you that is sparking these memories. Although, I am sure you�re not helping.� Remus said with a smile.
�Don�t worry Logan, I have a mission for her that should take up a couple of days� I have sensed a couple of mutants that need our help.� Charles said placing a hand on Logan�s arm. Logan nodded then walked out.
Sarabi sighed as she headed to Texas to pick up a mutant. After that she was headed to Florida. And she had to fly commercial. She tried to get Charles to let her take the Baby X, but he didn�t want her to be landing in the middle of someone�s yard, so she was flying like everyone else, but at least it was first class. She sipped her screwdriver in silence and looked at the files Charles threw together for her about the two mutants. One was a physic the other was able to do things. She rubbed her temples with her knuckles and took another drink from her screwdriver. She really wished certain memories would just disappear.
�We�ll be landing in Houston in just a few minutes, so if you will please take your seats and prepare to land.� A voice said over the intercom. Sarabi sighed again and leaned back in her seat. Next stop will be to the car rental so she can rent a car for the drive to find the girl. She was a runaway like so many others, so she was going to have to use her street smarts to find her. And it was most likely the girl wouldn�t be using her real name. At least the one in Florida was going to be easier to find.
She drove down the highway listening to a local country station. She tapped her fingers on the steering wheel as she sang along. �I wanna talk about me, me, me, me...� Sarabi smiled at the song as she turned off the highway down the off ramp. She took a right and drove into what could have easily been the heart of all the action. There were people everywhere and the whole place was steaming with energy. The sun shone bright and despite the heat, Sarabi was wearing black leather pants with her tank top with spaghetti straps that said �Bad Kitty� across the front, her black boots and to complete the outfit, she wore her Egyptian armband that was a cat just below her tattoo of USMC. A lot of people were giving her strange looks as she stepped out of the rented beamer. But she just smiled and pushed the security button on the key ring. Sarabi took a deep breath and could smell the cotton candy, hot dogs, soda and something she hadn�t had in a long time. �Kettle Corn.� She whispered then she walked towards the state fair grounds. She bought an arm band that allowed her on all the rides she cared to try as many times as she wanted and noticed the look one of the male security guards gave her as she walked through the metal detector. She wasn�t carrying any weapons besides what God gave her, and that was enough for any situation that could possibly come up. She took the time to wander around a bit taking note of the exits and where security hung out the most. She was debating whether she wanted to ride the Ring of Fire when she saw her out of the corner of her eye. The girl was with a group of kids probably about her age, most likely all runaways, but definitely none but her was different. The girl looked at Sarabi in passing but that was all. Sarabi smiled as one of the boys with her had turned around to get a better look at Sarabi. She nonchalantly followed the group, pretending to look around at the rides and the silly little booths that would give you a prize for knocking down pins or popping certain balloons, but what she really was doing was listening to the kids.
�Hey man, serious babe alert six o�clock.� One of the boys said to another and they plus a couple of others looked back at Sarabi. Sarabi stopped at one of the booths and was looking at the three pins stacked on one another.
�Wanna try your luck pretty lady?� The attendant asked her. Sarabi looked at him for a moment then shrugged.
�Why not?� she said and gave him two bucks and he gave her three balls. Sarabi picked up the first ball and rolled it in her hand a bit.
�Knock down all three and you can have your pick of prizes.� He told her and Sarabi smiled. She threw the ball as hard as she could at the post holding up the booth. It bounced off and hit the first three pins then bounced into the next three and then continued to knock the other six pins to the floor.
�And what do I get when I knock down all twelve pins?� Sarabi asked the attendant whose jaw was on the ground in amazement. A few people had stopped and saw the amazing feat Sarabi just performed as if it was nothing. The attendant turned to her
�How�?� He tried to ask. Sarabi pointed to her tattoo and then to a purple stuffed cat.
�Can I have that one?� She asked and the attendant handed the cat to her. �Thanks.� Sarabi said and walked away. The little group with the girl all watched her as she passed. Sarabi smiled at the girl and looked down at the stuffed cat. Sarabi figured that she�d now keep a close eye on her from far away. Sarabi had gotten her attention and that�s what she was aiming for.
Sarabi sighed as she sat down in the cool grass and listened to the band that was on stage. They weren�t half bad and Sarabi had already ridden every single ride in the place and needed to take a break. She leaned back on her elbows and smiled to herself as the little group walked into the fenced off area.
�Hey Rei!� Someone yelled across the lawn and the girl Sarabi had her eye on turned her head then waved at the person who yelled. The group walked over and joined some other kids.
�Rei.� Sarabi whispered. �So that�s what you are calling yourself.� The lawn sloped down towards the stage so Sarabi laid back and rested her head on the stuffed cat and watched the band play. The sun soon set and the band finished their set. A lady was on stage letting everyone know that there would be a short break before the next band began. Sarabi took this opportunity to go grab something to drink. She was standing in line when Rei walked by alone. Sarabi nonchalantly turned to watch where she went. Rei walked by a dark alley and suddenly disappeared. Sarabi quickly covered the ground and slid into the alley. She hid in a near-by shadow and saw a large man holding Rei against the wall.
�I thought I made it clear to stay out of this neighborhood freak.� He said. Rei squirmed against the wall but didn�t speak. �That was your last warning, now you are going to pay for it.�
�How threatening is a little girl?� Sarabi said coming out of the shadows. The man looked at her and snarled.
�Stay out of this lady.�
�Yeah well, sorry, there�s to much fun to be had.� Sarabi said. The man released Rei and turned to her.
�You asked for it lady.�
�Yes I did.� The man swung at her and Sarabi ducked and punched him right in the face. He stumbled back a little and then came at her more pissed then before. Sarabi smiled and placed a foot in his stomach. She didn�t need to put much force into it since the force of his body coming at her did the work. Sarabi roundhouse kicked the guy in the head and he went down. Sarabi stood over him a minute but he didn�t move. Rei started to move passed Sarabi but she held out her hand and stopped her.
�You are just going to run without even a thank you?� Sarabi asked. �That�s bad manners Rei.� Rei swallowed and looked at Sarabi.
�Thank you now if you don�t mind�� Rei said trying to push her way past but Sarabi didn�t move.
�I do mind actually.� Sarabi said. Rei looked at her and set her jaw.
�What do you want?� Rei asked. Sarabi smiled then leaned against the wall facing Rei.
�Just to talk.� Sarabi told her. Rei laughed a little.
�About what?�
�What you are.� Rei looked at her shocked. �Perhaps dinner?� Sarabi said and Rei gave her a look. Sarabi knew that food was the thing that was going to get Rei to at least listen to her. After she thought about it Rei sighed.
�How do you know?� Sarabi shook her head.
�Have dinner with me tonight, say about 7 p.m., and I will tell you all about it.� Sarabi said. Rei was looking at her very carefully.
�Okay. Where at Denny�s?� Rei finally said. Sarabi shook her head no.
�I was thinking more along the lines of The Outback Steakhouse.� Rei looked at Sarabi like she didn�t believe her at all.
�Are you serious?� Rei asked. Sarabi smiled.
�Meet me outside the fair around 7 and you will see.� Rei shook her head.
�How about I meet you there?� Rei suggested and Sarabi smiled.
�Alright. I�ll meet you at the one down the street. 7 p.m. Don�t be late.� Sarabi walked away and went back to get her soda. Rei stood in the alley a moment after Sarabi left. She looked down at the man who was still laying on the ground and gave his side a hard kick then went back to join her friends. Sarabi already had taken her place back on the grass when Rei re-entered the area and sat down with her friends. Sarabi knew Rei was telling them all about what happened because they kept looking in her direction. Sarabi smiled and played with her stuff cat. There was a movement that caught her eye and she looked up in time to see a tall stocky boy walking to her. He stood looking at her for a moment then sat down beside her.
�What business do you have with Rei?� He asked her staring straight at the stage and not looking at her. Sarabi smiled softly.
�That is between Rei and I.� Sarabi replied simply. The boy sat there a moment then looked at Sarabi.
�If you hurt her in anyway�� He began but Sarabi stopped him.
�I have no interest in hurting Rei. I am actually here to help her. She�s living on the streets and she has a gift that is being wasted. I am a teacher at a school that can help Rei develop those gifts along with giving her a place to live and food in her stomach.�
�What�s the name of the school?� he asked and Sarabi laughed.
�A little protective aren�t you?�
�Answer the question.�
�Xavier�s School for Gifted Youngsters.� Sarabi said. He sat there for a moment thinking. �It�s like a high school, but we focus on whatever special gifts the child may have and try to enhance it.� He looked at Sarabi again.
�She�ll be safe there?� He asked and Sarabi nodded.
�Safety is our top most priority.� Sarabi said smiling inwardly. If he only knew, she thought. The boy nodded satisfied. � So Mr. Protective, do you have a name?� He gave her a look and Sarabi laughed. �Okay then, a nickname.� He smiled.
�Brody.� He told her.
�Well Brody, perhaps we�ll meet again sometime.� Sarabi said. He nodded then stood and rejoined his friends. Sarabi listened to the band for a while longer then she stood and left the area. She made her way through the crowd ignoring the looks she got from the men and especially the ones from the women. She heard whispers and a few whistles. She just kept going, but couldn�t help but smile. She climbed back into the beamer and started it up and then made her way towards the steakhouse. Rei was already waiting out front with Brody and a few others when Sarabi pulled in. She parked right in front of them and smiled at the looks she got from Rei and the others.
�You drive that?� Rei asked looking from Sarabi to the beamer. Sarabi smiled and hit the button on the key chain.
�Today yes. Tomorrow, who knows?� Sarabi answered. Rei looked at her then smiled. Brody placed a hand on Rei�s shoulder.
�I think you are in good hands.� Brody told her to which Sarabi smiled.
�Why thank you Brody.� Sarabi said. Brody nodded to Sarabi and then he and the others took off leaving Rei and her alone. Rei was still looking at the beamer.
�What else do you drive?� She asked Sarabi. Sarabi put an arm around Rei�s shoulders and chuckled.
�Why don�t we talk about it over a couple of steaks. I don�t know about you, but I am starving.� Sarabi said steering Rei through the door. Rei smiled up at Sarabi and Sarabi sensed Rei�s trust in her. The hostess greeted them with a smile.
�Two?� She asked. Sarabi nodded. �Smoking or non?�
�Non please.� Sarabi said.
�Right this way.� Sarabi and Rei followed the hostess to a small table with two chairs that faced eachother. They sat down and the hostess handed them the menus.
�Would you like something to drink?� The hostess asked. Sarabi smiled.
�I would love a Coke with little ice please.� Sarabi said.
�Same here.� Rei said.
�Okay, your waiter will be with you shortly.� The hostess said with a smile and walked off. Rei watched her then turned to Sarabi.
�I would hate to have that job.� She commented. Sarabi looked at Rei and laughed.
�A hostess? Why is that? You sit around all day greeting people making money. It might not be a lot of money, but still.� Sarabi said looking off in the direction the hostess went.
�All that smiling? Money or not, I could not smile all day long.� Rei said smiling and Sarabi looked back at her and laughed.
�Yes, I will have to agree with that.� Rei laughed and looked at her menu.
�So what�s good here?� She asked Sarabi.
�The steaks! They have great steaks. And appetizers. And deserts, oh and their drinks are wonderful.� Sarabi answered not looking up from her menu. Rei�s eyes went wide.
�Would you look at these prices!� She said under her breath.
�Don�t worry about it. Pick whatever sounds good to you. Except the drinks. You are still to young to drink.� Sarabi said that brought a smile to Rei�s lips.
�What are you having?� Rei asked apparently overwhelmed by the choices.
�For starters I am thinking the Bloomin� Onion. After that, I really haven�t decided yet.� Rei nodded without saying anything. Sarabi glanced up as their waiter walked up to their table with their drinks. Sarabi looked at him and smiled.
�Here you go.� He said placing the drinks down in front of them. Sarabi snuck a peek at Rei who was looking at their waiter. �My name is William and I will be your server tonight. Can I start you out with anything?� Sarabi smiled and put down her menu and smiled at him.
�Why yes William,� Sarabi said sweetly. �We will start with one of your famous Bloomin� Onions. And I believe you will have to check back with us for our main entr�e.� Sarabi looked to Rei who smiled and nodded. William nodded and left to put their order in. As soon as he was out of earshot Rei turned to Sarabi.
�Oh my god, he�s got to be the cutest waiter I have ever seen!� Rei exclaimed. Sarabi nodded.
�Don�t have men like that at Denny�s.� Sarabi commented and Rei silently agreed.
�Did you get a load of that accent?� Rei asked leaning forward with a smile. Sarabi laughed and leaned forward.
�Did you get a load of his butt?� Sarabi said and they both laughed. Sarabi took a long drink of her Coke. Rei looked around the restaurant.
�This place looks great.� Rei commented. Sarabi nodded.
�It�s one of my favorites.� Sarabi said with a shrug. Rei sighed and looked seriously at Sarabi.
�So, how do you know?� Rei asked. Sarabi smiled and laced her fingers together and placed them on the table.
�I work for a remarkable man by the name of Charles Xavier.� Sarabi began. �He owns and runs a school called Xavier�s School For Gifted Youngsters. It�s a place where children, like yourself, can go to school without having to worry about being picked on for being different. And we take in a lot of runaways that are special. Give them a place to live, food on a regular basis, and schooling. I am a teacher there.� Rei nodded.
�That all good, but how did you know?� Rei said with a small smile. Sarabi leaned back in her chair and sighed.
�Because like you, he�s a physic.� Sarabi told her without saying a word. Rei�s eyes grew big as she heard Sarabi clearly as if she was speaking.
�You, you can read minds?� Rei asked in her head. Sarabi nodded.
�Only when the mind allows me to.� She said. �Charles has this device called Cerebro that allows him to pick up mutant brain waves, and that�s how we found you.�
�Mutant?� Rei asked and Sarabi nodded. �Like what Senator Kelly was against, but now is for?� Again Sarabi nodded. �There�s a whole school of them?� Sarabi smiled but nodded. �Wow.� Rei said out loud. Sarabi chuckled.
�There are many different mutants. Another teacher, her name is Jean Gray, she has physic abilities, but is also telekinetic.� Sarabi said.
�What about you? Are you just a physic?� Sarabi shook her head.
�No, I can only read minds. But, I have a healing ability, I�m quite strong.� Rei listened intently although if anyone was to look at them all they would see was a young attractive woman smiling at a young attractive girl who was looking at the woman like she was the only person in the whole restaurant. William brought them their Bloomin� Onion and they ordered a couple of steaks with salads. Sarabi looked at Rei with a secret smile and Rei blushed a little as William gave them both a smile and walked away. They ate and Sarabi continued explaining the school and the other kids that went there. Rei nodded from time to time as she ate. When they were finished and full they sat back in silence.
�Anything else?� Rei asked. Sarabi shrugged.
�Anything you want to know that I haven�t covered?� Sarabi asked. Rei sat for a moment then shook her head.
�I can�t think of anything.� Rei replied. Sarabi reached into her pocket and pulled out a credit card and another white card. She placed the credit card in the leather folder that held the bill. Sarabi didn�t even look at the bill. She gave the other card to Rei. Rei looked at the card.
�Sarabi Vosloo?� Rei asked.
�Yes.� Sarabi said and smiled as William took the folder. Rei smiled and laughed a little.
�I remember studying a Sarabi when I was going to school. But, the Sarabi I studied lived in Egypt back when Pharaohs ruled.� Rei said still looking at the card. Sarabi smiled.
�What else do you remember?� She asked.
�She was a princess, one of two daughters of Pharaoh Seti the first. Younger sister of Nefertiti, she also ruled over the Pharaoh�s armies for years until her nephew sent her away.� Rei said Sarabi snorted.
�That boy was always a brat. Thought I might someday take his throne. I didn�t care about the throne. All I wanted to do was to continue to rule the army. But when I left, so did more than half the Egyptian Army, and soon after Egypt was taken over.� Sarabi said with a sigh. Rei looked at her.
�You are the same?� Rei asked under her breath. Sarabi nodded with a smile. �That means you are over�� Sarabi raised her hand.
�Please don�t.� Sarabi said with a laugh. �I am very aware of how old I am. Did I mention that I am immortal?� Sarabi asked to which Rei shook her head. �Oh. Well, I am.� Rei smiled. Sarabi signed the receipt and gave William a handsome tip and they both left the restaurant. Outside Sarabi sighed.
�Do I have to make a decision now?� Rei asked. Sarabi smiled.
�No. I am to stay here until I know your decision. No matter how long that takes.� Sarabi told her. Rei looked to the ground. �You want me to drive you somewhere?� Rei looked at her watch and sighed.
�It�s to late for me to go back to the shelter.� Rei said.
�I can get you a room at the Hyatt with me.� Sarabi suggested and Rei stared at her. Sarabi smiled. �It will be no trouble.� Rei smiled and then nodded. They both got into the beamer and Sarabi started it up. Rei looked around and whistled.
�I have never been in a beamer before.� She commented. Sarabi smiled as she pulled out of the parking lot. Rei sat back and enjoyed the ride to the hotel. When they arrived Sarabi walked up to the counter. A young lady gave her a smile
�How can I help you?� She asked.
�Yes, hi, I need another room. Preferably one right next to the one I have.� Sarabi told her. She nodded.
�Your name please?� She asked.
�Sarabi Vosloo.�
�Can you spell that?� She asked and Rei smiled. Sarabi spelled her name for the lady and smiled.
�Lucky for you we do have the room next to you open. How long do you plan to have it?� The lady told Sarabi. Sarabi shrugged.
�I am not sure. Just put it on the credit card on file and I will let you know when we check out.� She told her. The lady nodded.
�Do you wish to have room service and other services also billed to this card?� Sarabi nodded. Rei had politely sat down in the lobby and looked at the marble statues. Sarabi walked up to her with a smile.
�All set.� She said and handed Rei the key. �You have the room next to mine.� Rei smiled and followed Sarabi to the elevators. Rei was silent and Sarabi smiled. �You know, you do not have to make any permanent plans. You are allowed to visit the school and see it for yourself before you decide to stay with us.� Rei looked at Sarabi.
�Really?� Rei asked. Sarabi laughed softly.
�Yes really. Sleep on it.� Sarabi said as they stepped out of the elevator. Rei nodded.
�Thanks and I will.� Rei said and entered her room. Sarabi stood in the hall until Rei�s door shut with a click then she entered her own room. She turned on all the lights in her room. She walked over and picked up the phone and dialed a number, she sat down on the bed and sighed when the other end picked up and she had to hold the phone away from her ear.
�I said I got it!� A voice yelled that Sarabi could hear clearly even with the phone away from her ear. She carefully placed the receiver to her ear. �Hello?�
�Patch me through to Charles.� Sarabi said.
�Sarabi!� The voice squealed and again Sarabi had to hold the receiver away from her ear. �Hey! It�s Sarabi!! Shut UP!� Sarabi looked at the receiver and put it back to her ear.
�Kitty, it isn�t polite to tell people to shut up.� Sarabi told the girl on the other end.
�Sorry Sarabi.� Kitty said. �I�ll put you through to Professor Xavier.� She told her.
�Thank you Kitty.� Sarabi said and waited as she heard some kids talking in the background then she heard a click then a small ring.
�Hello?� Charles answered.
�The next time you want to send me somewhere, you had better make it someplace tropical.� Sarabi said and Charles laughed.
�Sarabi.� He said. �Did you find her okay?� Sarabi snorted and glared at the phone.
�You know I did, so why even ask?� Sarabi told him. There was a short silence. �So, what is she going to say?�
�You will see Sarabi. Patience hasn�t always been your thing has it?� Charles asked and Sarabi just sighed.
�I have been alive longer than anyone else I know, and you ask me about patience? I just want to know how long I have to spend here.�
�Anxious to get to Florida?� Charles asked and Sarabi could tell he was smiling.
�At least it�s somewhat tropical.� Sarabi replied. Again more silence. �What�s on your mind Charles?�
�How are you doing?� He asked softly and Sarabi sighed.
�I am fine Charles. Just f-i-n-e- fine.�
�Good.�
�I�ll be back in a couple of days.� Sarabi said glancing at the digital clock by the bed. �Why isn�t everyone in bed Charles? It�s past midnight there.� Charles chuckled a bit
�Summer vacation Sarabi.� He said simply and Sarabi smiled.
�Oh yeah.�
�Everyone is fine Sarabi, in case you were wondering.� Charles told her and Sarabi wrinkled her nose.
�I figured as much. And I wasn�t wondering.� Sarabi said.
�I know.� Was all Charles said and Sarabi rolled her eyes.
�Good night Charles.� Sarabi said.
�Good night Sarabi.� Sarabi removed the receiver away from her ear as a very loud chorus of �Good night Sarabi!� rang through the line. She laughed and with a shake of her head she placed the receiver in its cradle. She stared at the phone for a few minutes and then walked into the bathroom to take a much-needed shower.
Sarabi sighed as she crawled into bed and sat there for a moment looking around her. She reached over and turned off the lamp by the bed and settled down to sleep.
She was struggling against two men who were taking her down a dank hallway. They took her into a room that had a metal table and surgical equipment. She struggled even harder and almost broke free but one of the men struck her on the back of the head. Sarabi went down on her knees, but was picked up and was seated on the table. Someone grabbed her tank top and yanked it off and then she was placed on her stomach and secured to the table. The metal table was freezing and Sarabi gasped. She turned her head to the right as she heard some footsteps coming towards her.
�Comfortable Sarabi?� Wraith asked and Sarabi sighed.
�The table is a little cold.� Sarabi commented and Wraith shrugged.
�That�s nice.� Wraith commented and Sarabi glared at him.
�What do you plan to do now?� Sarabi asked trying to see who else had walked in with Wraith.
�Nothing spectacular. Well, unless you count wings as spectacular.� Wraith commented. Sarabi tried to turn and look at him but the cold metal straps kept her in place. She could only move her head freely.
�Wings?� Sarabi said laughing. �You plan to give me wings? Good luck.� Wraith came around so she could see him clearly.
�Well we have been thinking a lot about how this could be done, and a good friend of mine here came up with a wonderful idea.� Wraith said and a man whom Sarabi had never seen before came into view. �Let me introduce you to Stryker.� The man was a bit chubby and he wore glasses. Sarabi just made a face and turned her head away from them both.
�It won�t hurt much, if you don�t regenerate.� Stryker said stepping closer to the table. Sarabi laughed and turned back to glare at him.
�I don�t control it.� Sarabi told him and Stryker just smiled.
�You expect me to believe that?�
�You�re an idiot if you don�t.� Sarabi snapped. Wraith smiled and chuckled.
�Regeneration is a defense mechanism that happens whenever I am hurt. I can not control it.� Sarabi pointed out but Stryker just shook his head.
�I have worked with another regenerator.� Stryker said and Sarabi looked at him.
�Then why don�t you go ask him.� Sarabi growled and Stryker laughed.
�I don�t have to.� Was all he said then went out of sight. Wraith walked up to her smiling.
�Have fun.� Wraith told her and walked away. Sarabi sighed and closed her eyes. This new guy has worked with Wolverine, but he should know that regeneration is automatic; she couldn�t stop it if she wanted to. She heard some more voices and the sound of something being wheeled towards her. She saw a smaller table with surgical instruments sitting on her right, and when she turned away from them she saw the wings they were planning to surgically give her. Sarabi swallowed and looked at them. They were white and mechanical looking. They had soft mesh between the metal bones and were covered with white feathers. Sarabi laughed softly to herself and wondered if they would even work. She closed her eyes again and took a deep breath.
�How do you even know those things would work?� Sarabi asked to anyone.
�They�ve been tested.� Someone told her. Sarabi wondered what poor fool had to test them and how. She didn�t have much time to think about it though, when someone poured some alcohol onto her shoulders and began to scrub at them. Sarabi swallowed and took another deep breath. After her shoulder area was clean enough she felt not one but two surgical blades cut into her skin by her shoulder blades. They were doing both sides at the same time and Sarabi had to choke down a yelp. They quickly cut small diamond shapes into her back then something Sarabi wasn�t prepared for, they place something hot against the sides of they�re incisions. Sarabi screamed against the burning pain. She tried to turn her body away from at least one of the people but she couldn�t move at all. She tried desperately to pull her arms free but even they were secured tightly
�STOP! Dear God stop!� Sarabi screamed at the top of her lungs, but they didn�t.
�She�s closing them!� Someone yelled and Sarabi sobbed.
�I�m not doing it! Please stop!� Sarabi kept screaming for them to stop, but they didn�t.
�Stop regenerating or we�ll just cut you up again.� Stryker told her and Sarabi shook her head.
�I can�t stop it you son of a bitch!� She screamed.
�They�re closed.� Someone said then sighed. Sarabi was taking deep breaths trying to keep the tears from flowing freely.
�You little bitch, why did you close them?� Stryker yelled at her only inches from her face. Sarabi swallowed and raised her head a bit.
�I told you asshole, I don�t CONTROL IT!� Sarabi yelled back then spit in Stryker�s face. Stryker took a step back and wiped her spit off his face and looked at her.
�Brake all her bones and then leave her here.� Stryker told the people around him and Sarabi closed her eyes.
�You had better pray I never get loose or you are a dead man.� Sarabi told Stryker and he just looked at her.
�That will never happen.� Stryker said and walked away pissed. Sarabi smiled to herself. �If you only knew� She thought, then screamed, as her leg bones were broken. She kept screaming and by the time they had broken her fingers Sarabi had gone hoarse. They left her to heal on her own and the pain was too much for her brain and it shut down. The next time she opened her eyes she was still in the room but she wasn�t alone. She could feel a hand softly touching her back around her shoulder area. She didn�t say anything; she swallowed trying to moisten her dry throat. She closed her eyes again taking a deep breath.
�Go away.� Sarabi whispered.
�What were they doing?� A familiar voice asked her. Sarabi smiled softly.
�Give me wings.� She answered and opened her eyes and looked at Wolverine.
�That can�t be what all the screaming was about.� He whispered and Sarabi shook her head.
�This guy, Stryker is what Wraith called him, thinks we can control the regeneration so he punished me for closing the holes they made by braking all my bones.� Sarabi explained. Wolverine sighed and softly touched her shoulder.
�I�m sorry.� He whispered. Sarabi softly shook her head.
�It�s not your fault.� Sarabi told him.
�Are you okay?� Wolverine asked. Sarabi sighed and closed her eyes for a moment.
�I think so. I think all the bones are healed.� She flexed her muscles and felt very little pain. �There�s very little pain.�
�Good.� He said then she heard a sound she hadn�t heard before and she looked at him. Seconds later she felt the bonds across her back come undone and then the ones on her legs, she tried to see what he was doing, but couldn�t. She felt something cold against her neck and the bond holding it was gone. She finally saw what Wolverine was using when he went and cut the bonds on her wrists. At first she thought he had gotten a hold of a knife but when she sat up she saw that the blade was actually coming out of his hand. The blade disappeared into his hand and he took off the zip-up sweater he was wearing and put it around Sarabi�s shoulders. She slipped her arms into the sleeves and zipped it up.
�Come on.� Wolverine said softly grabbing her left arm and helping her off the table.
�Where are we going?� Sarabi asked testing her legs. They were able to hold her but not completely so she leaned against Wolverine.
�Out of here.� He said and Sarabi smiled.
�Sounds good to me.� She said and looked up at him. He was only wearing a white undershirt and jeans with black boots. She took a deep breath and walked with Wolverine out the door. �You have any clue how to get out of here?� She asked. Wolverine smiled.
�Somewhat, but we�re going to need your special gifts to actually get out of here.� He replied. Sarabi nodded leaning a little more on him.
�That shouldn�t be a problem.� She said. They walked down the hallway and Sarabi started to get a little worried. �There are no guards.� She commented to which Wolverine only smiled.
�I gave them some permanent time off.� He said and Sarabi smiled.
�Good for us, bad for them.� She replied. There wasn�t a soul but them in the hallways and Sarabi felt herself getting stronger. Soon Sarabi didn�t have to lean on Wolverine at all. Wolverine looked at her as she stood on her own. She was wearing plain gray sweatpants and with the sweatshirt he gave her, she looked like she was about to go jogging. He chuckled softly and Sarabi looked at him curiously. He just smiled at her and Sarabi looked up at a wall and pointed. Wolverine followed where she was pointed. The knife she had seen earlier came out along with two others and the camera was shredded. Sarabi grabbed his hand and looked at the claws. �What is this?� She asked, Wolverine tried to take his hand away from her but she held onto it tightly, so instead he let the claws slide back into his hand.
�Nothing.� He said.
�Bullshit!� She yelled and Wolverine blinked at her. �Three nine inch blades actually coming out of your hand is not nothing.� Sarabi said sternly and Wolverine actually took a step away from her. Sarabi grabbed his hand again and pulled it to her. �Do it again.� She demanded and he swallowed. He slowly let the three blades come back out and Sarabi looked at them carefully. �Does it hurt?� She asked softly which was a change from just a moment ago and it took Wolverine a couple of minutes to answer her.
�Yes.� He whispered.
�Why did you let them do this?� Sarabi asked looking in Wolverine�s eyes. He took his hand away from her and the claws disappeared again.
�You really think I would actually let them do this to me?� He snapped at her and she sighed.
�Perhaps we should talk about this later due to the fact that there are some guards coming this way thanks to the camera.� Sarabi said with a growl. Wolverine twitched his nose.
�Fine.� Was all he said and they both turned down the hall at the approaching guards. They didn�t get very far down the hall because Sarabi raised her right hand and her hair turned red and flames shot out of her hand, grew and went down the hall. The fire touched the walls and there was no way to get away from the flaming dragon that came at them. Not a single guard was alive once Sarabi let the fire die.
�Let�s go.� Sarabi said and stormed down the hallway. Wolverine took a look down the hall then followed Sarabi. She stormed down the hall and found a crack in the stone. With brown hair she made the crack widen and made a small tunnel in the earth behind the stonewall. She strode in it and Wolverine followed her after a moments pause. He turned as the earth went back in place behind him. Suddenly there was light in front of him and it was Sarabi again using her fire element.
She was being shaken and Sarabi opened her eyes. Rei was standing over her and she smiled.
�Good morning!� Rei said cheerfully. Sarabi yawned and rolled over and looked at the clock. It was 7:30 a.m. and Sarabi then moaned.
�Couldn�t you have given me another half an hour to an hour?� Sarabi said sleepily. Rei smiled.
�Having a good dream?� Rei asked.
�Something like that.� Sarabi said sitting up rubbing her temples. Rei plopped herself in one of the hotel rooms chairs. �Sleep well?� Rei gave Sarabi a big smile.
�I think that was the best night of sleep I have had in a long time.� Rei admitted. Sarabi crawled out of bed and stretched. She grabbed some clothes and walked into the bathroom.
�Glad to hear it.� Sarabi said and changed her clothes. She came out of the bathroom in blue jeans and a simple t-shirt. Rei gave her a huge smile and got up.
�Well, I don�t know about you, but I�m starving.� Rei said.
�Room service?� Sarabi asked with a smile and Rei laughed.
�Room service.� Rei agreed. Sarabi grabbed the receiver and tossed it to Rei.
�Order what you want. The menu is in the drawer there.� Sarabi said sitting on the bed. Rei smiled and opened the menu. She read through it and then she pushed the room service button.
�Yes this is room 207, I would like to order the sausage and bacon omelet, with a large orange juice. Yes. Uh-hu. Sarabi? You want anything?� Rei asked and Sarabi thought for a moment.
�How about a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, with whole milk?� Sarabi said then yawned. �And a couple of more hours in bed.� Rei laughed and ordered for Sarabi then hung up the phone. Rei sat there for a moment then walked over closer to Sarabi and sat down.
�I�ve been thinking about what you said last night, and I think I would like to visit your school and then decide if I want to stay.� Rei told her and Sarabi smiled and threw an arm around Rei�s shoulder.
�Something told me you would at least want to see it.� Sarabi said. �After breakfast we�ll run to the shelter and you can pick up some stuff and say bye to your friends, and then we�re off to Florida.�
�Florida? I thought the school was in New York.� Rei said looking at Sarabi who laughed.
�It is, I need to find another mutant who lives there.� Sarabi told her then smiled. �At least she�ll be easier to find then you were.� Rei laughed.
�I guess I�m sorry.� Rei said still laughing. Sarabi rolled her eyes and shrugged.
�Don�t be sorry.� Sarabi said. �It was only a little difficult to find you, but Charles helped out a lot so no worries.� Rei smiled. Room service came and delivered their breakfast and they ate in hurried silence. Sarabi was a little anxious to get on the road, the sooner they got to Florida and found the other girl the sooner she could go home and see what Jean and Cornelius had come up with. Rei went back into her room to make sure she hadn�t left anything in there then she met back up with Sarabi in the lobby and they both climbed into the beamer and were off.
Logan sighed as he watched the kicking bag hit the ground. A chuckle made him turn around and look at Remy.
�Not the same without Sarabi is it?� Remy asked looking at the bag. Logan rubbed his neck looking back at the bag.
�Not even close.� He replied giving a sideways look to Remy, who caught the look.
�Why me?� Remy asked throwing his hands in the air. �Why is it always me? Sarabi always picks me and now you?�
�Actually Remy, you pick your battles with Sarabi very carelessly I might add.� Henry said walking up to them. Logan smiled and placed a hand on Remy�s shoulder.
�Don�t worry bub, it was only a passing thought.� Logan told him then left the gym.
�Well that�s a relief.� Remy said and Henry laughed.
Logan sat in Sarabi�s office playing with the disc she had given him. He had read it many times since she left. He couldn�t help but wonder what it was Sarabi was remembering and if it was bad or not.
�Sometimes they are good memories, sometimes bad.� Charles said coming into the office.
�I know what happened, but I don�t remember any of it. I know there are things she�s not telling me that can�t be found on any computer.� Logan said to which Charles sighed.
�I want you to read my mind again�� Logan began but Charles shook his head.
�It will come to you Logan. You need to do this on your own. I can not help you.� Charles said then left. Logan softly growled. He again looked at the disc and then threw it across the room. It smashed into pieces when it hit the wall and a black and white picture hit the floor. With a sigh Logan got up and picked up the picture. The glass in it didn�t break and he went to place it on the wall when he noticed it was of Sarabi and a few others. Sarabi was strangely dressed for the period he was guessing the picture was from. She was dressed as a man, and there were four other men standing around her. They all had guns and there was a paint horse standing behind Sarabi. He looked at the names but Sarabi�s wasn�t there. He was sure it was her. Even though it was black and white, he could tell those eyes of hers anywhere. The only female name read Jasmine Dewinthicator. Logan placed the picture back on the wall and made a mental note to ask Sarabi about it when she returned.
Rei was all over the plane. Sarabi laughed softly as she returned from the bathroom and sat down next to her once again. Rei sat in silence for a whole two seconds then leaned over to Sarabi.
�How in the world do people have sex in those bathrooms?� Rei whispered and Sarabi laughed looking around at the full flight.
�I have no clue.� Sarabi replied.
�They�re so tiny.�
�Where�s there�s a will, there�s a way.� Sarabi said and Rei smiled. Rei turned and looked out the window then moaned.
�Flying is fine and all, until I look out the window.� Rei said looking back at Sarabi. Sarabi smiled then stood.
�Trade seats with me then.� Rei quickly slipped into Sarabi�s seat and sighed. �You�re up and down so much anyway, it�s best you sit on the aisle.� Rei smiled softly.
�I�ve never flown before.� Rei commented looking around wondering what she hadn�t checked out yet. Sarabi just smiled and looked out the window.
�You�ll love the X jet then.� Sarabi said which captured Rei�s attention.
�X jet?� Rei asked and Sarabi nodded.
�We have a couple of our own jets. The X Jet, and X Jet two, which is smaller and I call it Baby X.� Sarabi explained and Rei nodded.
�Then why are we flying commercially?�
�Where would I land a jet?� Sarabi answered by asking a question and Rei nodded.
�Good point.� Rei said and sat back.
�Relax Rei, you�re more likely die in a car crash then an airplane crash.� Sarabi told her and Rei gave her a look.
�Oh yeah, that makes me feel a whole ton better.� Rei said watching a stewardess come down the aisle.
�Why doesn�t it?� Sarabi asked not sure herself why people say that.
�Well one, it implies that though you may not die from the plane crashing, it is still a possibility, and two, what do you think we�re going to be in once we land?� Rei told her and Sarabi smiled.
�Good point. Forget I said anything.� Sarabi said and Rei gave her a short laugh.
�A little late don�t you think? It�s not like you can erase that memory.� Rei said and Sarabi looked at her for a moment then chewed on her bottom lip and looked back out the window.
�We will be landing in Tampa in a few moments. Please return to your seats and observe the fasten seat belts sign is turned on. Thank you for flying with United, we hope to see you again real soon.� A voice told them over the intercom and Rei glared at it for a moment.
�Like they�ll remember us if we do fly them again.� She commented and Sarabi smiled. The plane landed with no difficulties and Rei sighed in relief. They both stood and began to exit the plane when a stewardess stopped Sarabi with a smile.
�Ms. Vosloo, it�s so good to see you again, I do hope you had a nice flight?� She said and Sarabi smiled at Rei.
�It was great, as always Jenn. See you next time.� Sarabi replied and Rei shook her head.
�Okay, I suppose if you fly enough, they will remember your name.� She said and Sarabi placed a hand on Rei�s shoulder.
�Or if you make more money then the whole airline combined, I am sure they�ll notice you.� Sarabi said to which Rei just looked at her. They approached the rental counter for vehicles and Sarabi sighed. �What shall it be this time?� She asked and Rei smiled.
�How about a convertible Ford Mustang?� Rei asked and Sarabi just smiled as she stepped up to the counter.
�Hello, how can I serve your rental needs today?� The guy asked Sarabi to which she blinked at him for a second.
�That has got to be annoying having to say that all day.� Sarabi said and the guy gave her a smile. �You wouldn�t happen to have any convertible Ford Mustangs handy would you?� The guy typed it up in his computer then waited a moment.
�Why yes we do. Three actually.� He replied.
�We only need one.� Rei said and Sarabi gave her a look.
�You�ll have to excuse her, first time flying. She didn�t like it all that much.� Sarabi said then gave Rei another look and Rei shrugged.
�It�s alright. I deal with it all the time.� The guy replied with a weak smile. �We have one in red, white, and blue.� Both Sarabi and Rei looked at eachother with raised eyebrows then looked at the guy.
�Blue.� They both said. The guy gave them a funny look but nodded. He handed Sarabi some paperwork that she filled out quickly then handed him her license. He looked at it a second then looked at it again and then at Sarabi.
�Sa-Sarabi Vos-Vosloo?� He stuttered and Sarabi nodded.
�That�s what the license says.� Sarabi answered. �Is there a problem?� The guy shook his head and looked down.
�No ma�am, no problem.� He said then looked up at her curiously. �But wouldn�t you rather rent a limo?� Sarabi laughed and shook her head.
�God no.� She replied and with a small smile and a nod he handed Sarabi a key. �It�s in the garage, second floor, row B, number 12.� He said and Sarabi thanked him and lead Rei off. After they got out of earshot Sarabi looked to Rei.
�And just what the hell was all that �We only need one� crap?� She asked and Rei looked at Sarabi then shrugged again.
�I guess I am a little moody after flying.� Rei stated. Sarabi just sighed and shook her head.
�Well, next time if you please, be a little bit more moody to yourself. It was quiet rude.� Sarabi said pushing the button for the elevator of the garage.
�Sorry.� Rei whispered. The elevator came and they both climbed inside. Rei didn�t say anything until they got to the car. �Maybe this was a bad idea.� Rei said as she got into the passenger side throwing her bag in the back seat. Sarabi looked at her.
�Why?� She asked starting the car and then unlatching the roof.
�I�m moody almost all the time, I can be a real bitch at times, and I�ll probably won�t get a long with any of the kids there, much less the teachers.� Rei said watching the roof slowly slide back. Sarabi laughed.
�You think you�re bad?� Sarabi asked looking at her. �Wait until you see me pissed off about something. You want bitch? Some of the students lovingly call me that. And I do mean lovingly.� Rei looked at Sarabi then smiled.
�What?�
�The students love me, and well, we all kind of have code names.� Rei gave Sarabi another funny look. �Um. Like Rei. Not their real name, but what people call them.�
�A nickname?� Rei said and Sarabi nodded.
�Yeah, nicknames. Anyway, I don�t really have one, so when I�m in one of my moods, they call me bitch. It�s not a bad thing really.� Sarabi said backing the car out of the space now that the roof was finally hidden. Rei smiled.
�A bitch is a dog, a dog barks, back is on a tree, a tree is apart of nature and nature is beautiful. So, if you think about it, it�s actually a compliment.� Rei said pushing the button to roll down the window. Sarabi laughed and looked at Rei.
�I will defiantly have to remember that one.� She said as they hit the streets. Sarabi sighed then took a left. She looked down at a piece of paper and looked around. She took her first right and then another left and another right and they were on a freeway.
�Do you know where you are going?� Rei asked after a few minutes.
�Kind of.� Sarabi said and Rei glanced over at her.
�So, we may get lost?�
�Perhaps.�
�I need to use a restroom then.� Rei said and Sarabi smiled. They pulled off the freeway at the first exit possible and into a Texaco station. Rei jumped out when Sarabi pulled to a stop. A few moments later Rei came walking back out. She smiled as she jumped into the mustang without opening the door. �Okay, ready to get horribly lost.� Rei said and Sarabi laughed.
�Okay we�re not going to get horribly lost, perhaps a little�� Sarabi was saying as she pulled back onto the road and headed for the freeway. �But at least I�m willing to stop and ask for directions.� Rei laughed as the wind blew through her hair. She looked over at Sarabi and smiled. She studied the woman sitting beside her. �I can see why people like her.� Rei thought. �She�s got one of those personalities that people are drawn to. You can�t help but like her.� Rei smiled to herself then leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes. �That guy from the alley sure didn�t like her though; I guess if you stay on her good side she�s likable. I sure wouldn�t want to ever be on the receiving end of Sarabi�s bad side, that�s for sure.� Rei opened her eyes and watched the scenery around her. It wasn�t to long before they left the hum of the city behind them. Sarabi had played with the radio for a while and after finding nothing on any station she turned it off with a sigh.
�Should have brought some CDs.� Sarabi commented.
�Wouldn�t do us any good.� Rei said then pointed at the radio. �No CD player.� Sarabi sighed and leaned on her left hand.
�It�s a 2003 and there�s no CD player? I didn�t think they made vehicles without them any more.� Sarabi commented and Rei smiled. They rode in silence for a while, but Sarabi quickly got bored with it and began singing.
�He had it coming, he had it coming, he only had himself to blame. If you had been there, if you had seen it, I betcha you would have done the same.� Sarabi sang, and Rei gave her a look.
�What are you singing?� She asked Sarabi smiled and glanced at her.
�One of my favorite songs from the movie �Chicago�.� She replied. Rei just blinked at her. �Haven�t seen it?� Rei shook her head no. Sarabi smiled and Rei stared at her in wonder as music began to fill her head.
�Pop. Six. Squish. Ut-uh. Cicero. Lipshits. And now the six Mary murderesses of the Cook County jail in their rendition of the cell block tango. Pop. Six. Squish. Ut-uh. Cicero. Lipshits. He had it coming, he had it coming, he only had himself to blame. If you had been there, if you had seen it, I betcha you would have done the same.
You know how people have these little habits that get you down? Like Bernie. Bernie liked to chew gum, no, not chew, pop. So I came home this one day and I�m really irritated, and I�m looking for a little bit of sympathy and there�s Bernie laying on the couch drinking a beer and chewing, no not chewing POPPING. So I said to him I said �You pop that gum one more time�� and he did. So I took the shotgun off the wall and fired two warning shots. Into his head.
He had it coming, he had it coming, he only had himself to blame. If you had been there, if you had heard it, I betcha you would have done the same.
I met Ezekiel Young from Salt Lake City about two years ago and he told me he was single and we hit it off right away so we started living together. He�d go to work, he�d come home, I�d fix him a drink, we�d have dinner. And then I found out. Single he told me, single my ass. Not only was he married, oh no, he had six wives. One of those Mormons you know. So that night when he came home from work, I fixed him his drink as usual. You know, some guys just can�t hold their arsenic!
He had it coming, he had it coming, he took a flower in its prime. And then he used it and he abused it. It was a murder but not a crime.
Now I�m standing in the kitchen carving up a chicken for dinner, minding my own business in storms my husband Wilber in a jealous rage. �You�ve been screwing the milkman� he says, he was crazy and he kept on screaming �You�ve been screwing the milkman!� And then he ran into my knife. He ran into my knife ten times.
If you had been there, if you had seen it, I betcha you would have done the same.� Rei was smiling and she gave Sarabi a look as the next murderess started talking, but it was in a language she didn�t understand. Sarabi shrugged with a smile.
�I think it�s Russian.� She said and Rei nodded.
�Yeah, but did you do it? Ut-uh. Not Guilty.� Rei laughed and looked back to Sarabi.
�Well she could speak a little English.� She said and Sarabi smiled.
�Just those words according to the movie.� Sarabi told her. And the song went on.
�My sister Veronica and I had this double act, and my husband Charlie traveled around with us. Now for the last number in our act we did these twenty acrobatic tricks in a row. One two three four five splits, spread eagles, back flips, flip-flops one right after the other. So this one night before the show we�re down at the hotel Cicero, the three of us boozing, having a few laughs and we run out of ice, so I go out to get some. I come back, open the door, and there�s Veronica and Charlie, doing number seventeen. The spread eagle. Well, I was in such a state of shock, I completely blacked out, I can�t remember a thing. It wasn�t until later; when I was washing the blood off my hands I even knew they were dead.
They had it coming, (they had it coming) they had it coming, (they had it coming) they had it coming all a long, (they had it coming all along) I didn�t do it, (she didn�t do it) but if I done it (but if she done it) how could you tell me that I was wrong? They had it coming, (they had it coming) they had it coming, (they had it coming) they had it coming all a long. (They took a flower in its prime) I didn�t do it, (and then they used it) but if I had done it, how could you tell me that I was wrong?
I loved El Lipshits more then I could possibly say, he was a real artistic guy, sensitive, a painter. But he was always trying to find himself. He�d go out every night looking for himself and on the way he found Ruth, Gladys, Rosemary and Irving. I guess you could say we broke up because of artistic differences. He saw himself as alive, and I saw him DEAD.
The dirty bum, bum, bum, bum, bum the dirty bum, bum, bum, bum, bum.
They had it coming, (they had it coming) they had it coming, (they had it coming) they had it coming all along, (they had it coming all along) cause if they use us, (cause if they use us) and they abuse us, (and they abuse us) how could you tell us that we were wrong? He had it coming, (he had it coming) he had it coming, (he had it coming) he only had himself to blame (he only had himself to blame) If you had been there, (if you have been there) if you had seen it, (if you had seen it) I betcha you would have done the same.
If you pop that gum one more time�
Single my ass�
Ten times�
(Russian)
Number seventeen, the spread eagle�
Artistic differences�
Pop. Six. Squish. Ut-uh. Cicero. Lipshits.� Rei looked at Sarabi as the sound of a cell door slammed shut.
�Wow, that was defiantly different.� Rei said and Sarabi shrugged but smiled. �I liked the talking parts�so many men killed for stupid things though�except the cheater, he deserved something.�
�It was back in the 1920s, it happened a lot more than people admit.� Sarabi told her and Rei just shook her head. Sarabi smiled as she pulled off on an exit. �Well, this is the exit. Let�s see if we can find the house.� Rei smiled at Sarabi.
After a few wrong turns, and Sarabi impressing Rei with her ability to drive backwards almost perfectly, did they find the house they were looking for. It was a nice two-story house and Sarabi sighed.
�Wish me luck.� Sarabi said turning the engine off and getting out of the mustang.
�Good luck.� Rei said watching Sarabi as she walked confidently to the front door and knocked. Sarabi could hear some yelling inside and she waited patiently for someone to answer her knock. Finally someone did. A woman looked at Sarabi up and down then out to the mustang.
�What do you want?� They woman snapped at her. Sarabi smiled.
�I like to talk to Sarah if she�s home.� Sarabi said looking the woman right in the eyes.
�Who are you?� the woman asked. Sarabi kept her smile even though her patience was leaving.
�I am a teacher�� Sarabi started but the woman didn�t let her finish.
�What did Sarah do now?� She snapped. Sarabi shook her head.
�Nothing��
�Then why are you here?� Sarabi ground her teeth together.
�I wish to speak with Sarah.� She said. The woman looked at Sarabi and back at the car again.
�Sarah! One of your damn teachers is here to talk to you.� The woman yelled and Sarabi sighed forgetting to smile. A voice in her head reminded her to be nice. Sarabi rolled her eyes and told Charles silently that she�d try. A young girl, around eighteen came to the door and looked at Sarabi strangely. The girl was very pretty, she could have easily been mistaken as a descendant from Sarabi, and Sarabi started to wonder if she was.
�Sarah?� Sarabi asked and the girl nodded. �You mind talking with me?� Sarah looked at the woman then nodded again. The woman stood there looking, no glaring at Sarabi.
�Alone?� Sarabi said not to nicely. The woman huffed then disappeared into the house. Sarah watched her go then looked to Sarabi shyly.
�Sorry about that.� Sarah said in almost a whisper. �I don�t think I know you.� Sarabi smiled at Sarah.
�You don�t. I am a teacher, but your, umm��
�Mother.�
�Mother, right, didn�t let me finish.� Sarabi motioned for Sarah to sit with her on one of the chairs on the porch. Sarah�s brown eyes looked at Sarabi curiously.
�You�re different than others.� Sarah said softly and Sarabi blinked then smiled.
�Yes I am.�
�You�re like me.� Sarah again whispered and Sarabi looked at her.
�What do you mean?�
�You�re a mutant.� Sarah whispered so low that if it weren�t for her animal sense of hearing she�d never have heard her. Sarabi slowly nodded.
�What else do you know?� Sarabi asked and Sarah softly smiled.
�Nothing. I don�t know why you are here, I can just tell when people are different.� Sarah said and Sarabi nodded.
�Well, I am here to ask you if you would like to join us��
�Us?� Sarah whispered.
�Yes, us. There are more mutants where I teach. I know you have just gotten out of high school, but we do offer college like courses, and if nothing else we can send you to the best college in New York, but there�s a place where mutants can live, learn and be themselves. I wouldn�t be here, but Charles, he�s the headmaster so to speak, believes you need some help with your mutant abilities.� Sarabi started talking and did it a little quick in hopes she could get a good deal out before she was interrupted. Sarah however sat across from Sarabi her eyes going wide and her breathing became shallow.
�Is this place just a school, or are there dorms or��
�A lot of the children we have there live at the school, and we are quite capable of housing quite of few people, I myself, like all the teachers, live there. Some kids do go home for the summer, but most are runaways�� Sarabi never got to finish what she was saying for Sarah jumped up and ran into the house. Sarabi sat there and sighed. She rubbed her temples trying to figure out what she said wrong. There was some yelling inside the house and Sarah came out of the house with a huge duffle bag obviously fully packed and two other bags. Sarabi stood up quickly and looked at Sarah.
�I�m ready.� Sarah said and Sarabi just stood there speechless. Sarah�s mother came out of the house and looked from Sarah to Sarabi.
�And just where the hell do you think you are going?� her mother asked. Sarah nodded to Sarabi.
�With her.� Sarah told her then walked down the steps towards the car. Her mother reached out and grabbed Sarah�s arm.
�What are you talking about young lady?� she said. Sarah stood there with her head hung. �You are not going anywhere with anyone, do you hear me? Now get back into the house.� Sarah swallowed and turned back towards the house and slowly walked back up the steps. Sarabi who stood in front of the door with her arms across her chest blocked her way.
�Sarah, if you wish to leave you can.� Sarabi said looking at Sarah�s mother who glared at Sarabi.
�She�s not going anywhere with you.� She said and Sarabi raised an eyebrow.
�She�s 18, she can legally leave without you giving her permission.� Sarabi stated. Sarah looked up at Sarabi and watched in fascination as the green in Sarabi�s eyes began to spike through the blue.
�I don�t care how old she is, she is my daughter and she�s staying.�
�I do believe that is up to Sarah not you.� Sarabi said talking through her teeth. Sarabi looked at Sarah. �Do you want to leave?� Sarah nodded and then Sarabi shrugged.
�Verdicts in, case closed let�s go.� Sarah turned around and faced her mother who had her hands on her hips.
�I�m going mother, please move.� Sarah said softly and was rewarded with a slap across her face. Rei never saw Sarabi go down the stairs, all she knew was that Sarabi was at Sarah�s side before she knew it.
�After all I�ve done for you, you little bitch, and you want to leave?� Her mother raised her hand again to slap her but Sarabi grabbed the woman�s wrist.
�If you are smart you wouldn�t think about it.� Sarabi growled and the woman�s eyes flashed at her. �Sarah, get in the car.� Sarah didn�t say anything but did as Sarabi said. Sarabi let the woman�s wrist go and began to follow Sarah but her mother grabbed Sarabi�s arm and dug her nails into her flesh. Sarabi hissed softly and turned and removed the woman�s nails from her arm. The woman watched in fear as the nail marks on Sarabi�s arm began to disappear and it looked like nothing ever happened. The woman pulled her hand from Sarabi�s grip.
�You�re one of those!� She exclaimed backing away from Sarabi and she smiled.
�If you mean I am a mutant then yes. And we�ve come for your daughter. Need a virgin sacrifice you know�� Sarabi growled and Rei silently laughed. A stern voice in her head made her wince. SARABI! It said and Sarabi just smiled at the woman and walked to the car. She got in and started it. Sarah took one last look at her home and mother before Sarabi hit the gas. Sarabi had her elbow on the door rubbing her temple with her fingers. Sarabi Vosloo�Sarabi sighed at Charles voice and closed her mind only telling him to give her hell when she got home.
They rode in silence as they hit the freeway. Rei kept glancing at Sarabi and smiling. Sarabi looked at Sarah in the rearview mirror and smiled.
�I wasn�t serious about the sacrifice thing you know.� Sarabi told her and Sarah looked at Sarabi and managed a smile and nodded.
�I know.� She said. Rei turned in her seat and looked at Sarah.
�You do have to admit that it was funny though.� Rei told her and Sarah smiled. �I�m Rei, this is Sarabi.� Rei said. Sarah looked at Rei for a moment then Rei nodded. �Yep, I�m a mutant.� Sarah looked at Rei with wide eyes and Rei smiled. �I can read minds, so can Sarabi, but as you may have noticed she�s got a few other gifts as well.� Sarah nodded looking to Sarabi. A sound of a plane overhead made them all look up.
�I hope you like flying.� Rei said then turned back around. Sarah�s eyes went wide and she leaned forward.
�We�re not flying are we?� She asked in her normal small voice and Sarabi glanced at her.
�How else do you expect us to get to New York?� Sarabi replied and Sarah shook her head.
�We can�t fly, I�m scared to death of heights. Please can�t we drive there?� Sarah asked and Sarabi almost slammed on the break.
�Drive?� Sarabi asked looking back over her shoulder at Sarah. �To New York. You want me to drive to New York!� Rei looked from Sarabi to Sarah then noticed that Sarabi wasn�t watching the road at all. She looked forward then swallowed. �Do you realize how long that will take? Florida to New York!� Rei grabbed Sarabi�s arm.
�Sarabi.� She said calmly.
�I can�t fly, I go into this terrifying panic state. Please can�t we just drive?�
�Sarabi.�
�I just want to go home Sarah, I don�t want to drive. Flying is so much easier and faster.�
�SARABI!!!!�
�What!� Sarabi turned to Rei who pointed to the eighteen-wheeler in front of them and coming closer by the second. Sarabi turned back to the road and swore. She quickly went around the truck and eased her foot off the gas with a sigh.
�Thank you for not allowing us to find out what other powers Sarah and I have in the way of healing.� Rei said with wide eyes.
�Regeneration.� Sarabi mumbled. Rei looked at her.
�What?�
�It�s called regeneration. When I heal myself.� Sarabi explained then with a sigh she pulled over to the side of the road and stopped. She turned around to look at Sarah.
�Can�t you just, I don�t know, handle one little flight?� Sarabi asked almost pleading with Sarah. Sarah�s eyes went a little misty and she looked down and shook her head. Sarabi sighed and banged her head against the steering wheel.
�We could always get her drunk.� Rei suggested and Sarabi looked at her. �Right, not helping.� Rei said and looked to the side of the road. �I could always put her to sleep before we take off and wake her when we land.� Rei said and Sarabi looked at her.
�What?� Sarabi asked. Rei glanced at Sarabi.
�Sorry not helping again.� Rei said but Sarabi shook her head.
�No, that, that sounds like a great idea. Can you do that?� Sarabi asked and Rei nodded. She turned and looked at Sarah.
�You would never know you were flying at all. You�d sleep through the whole flight. It would be like you were still be at the airport here when you�re really in New York.� Rei explained and Sarabi looked at Sarah.
�Sound like a plan?� Sarabi asked softly and Sarah nodded which made Sarabi smile. �Wonderful.� Sarabi said and got the mustang going again. It didn�t take them long to get to the airport and Sarabi returned the car to the same guy who rented it out to them. Sarabi then went to the ticketing counter of United and asked when the next flight to New York was. Rei and Sarah stood off to the side quietly talking to each other and Sarabi checked two of Sarah�s three bags. The third Sarabi was told was Sarah�s laptop, which made Sarabi smile. Rei just had her carry on and so did Sarabi. She rejoined the girls and gave them a soft smile. �Next plane out of here isn�t for another four hours.� Sarabi informed them. �We need to by the gate at least an hour before take off. So since we have time to kill, let�s get something to eat in the Captain�s Lounge.� Rei and Sarah looked at Sarabi as she walked off and quickly followed her.
�Isn�t the Captain�s Lounge just for Captains?� Rei asked looking at Sarabi. Sarabi nodded.
�Yep.�
�How are we supposed to get in then?� Rei asked Sarabi just smiled.
�I fly, I�m not a captain, but I do fly.� Sarabi replied and both Sarah and Rei looked at each other then shrugged. They approached the security and placed their bags on the conveyer belt to be x-rayed and Sarabi emptied her pockets into the little basket then walked through the metal detector and smiled to herself. All three of them passed through without it going off. Sarabi was still smiling secretly to herself as they made their way up to the lounge. Finally Rei sighed and looked at her.
�What�s with the sudden permanent smile?� She asked and Sarabi laughed.
�I know a guy that you both will meet at the school that can�t walk through any metal detector without it going off even if he was buck naked.� Sarabi said and Rei smiled.
�Why? He got a metal pin or plate?� Sarah asked and Sarabi smiled but shook her head.
�Not exactly. He�s got the metal adamantium surgically grafted to every bone in his body, not to mention the three nine inch claws in both his hands also made of adamantium.� Sarabi said and Rei wrinkled up her nose.
�What�s adima-adawhat�s it?� She asked and Sarabi laughed.
�Adamantium. It�s unbreakable metal.� Sarabi explained then smiled at the guy standing at the entrance to the lounge. Sarabi pulled out an ID card that was different then her drivers license and handed it to him. He looked at it for a moment then nodded to her and opened the door for them. They walked in and Rei looked back at the guy then to Sarabi.
�What�s that card you gave him?� She asked and Sarabi handed it to her. Rei�s eyes went wide and she smiled.
�You�re a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps.� Rei said then showed Sarah the card.
�Wow.� Sarah said softly.
�I thought only Air Force flew the planes.� Rei said sitting in a comfortable chair and leaning back. Sarabi shook her head with a smile as she sank into the overstuffed chair by Rei.
�Pearl Harbor.� Sarabi said and Rei looked over to Sarah who smiled.
�Marines flew in Pearl Harbor.� Sarah said and Sarabi looked at her.
�That�s right.� Sarabi said sitting up and placing her elbows on her knees. �How did you know that?�
�History is one of my favorite subjects.� Sarah said blushing a bit.
�Really? I teach history at the school. Along with martial arts and drama.� Sarabi said.
�Sarabi is immortal.� Rei leaned forward and whispered to Sarah. Sarah�s eyes went wide as she looked at Sarabi.
�Really?� She whispered and Sarabi nodded. �How old are you?� Sarah asked and Sarabi smiled leaning back a bit.
�I was born in 1272.� Sarabi stated and she could see Sarah working out the numbers in her head.
�That�s only 731 years.� Sarah said and Sarabi laughed.
�1272 B.C.� Sarabi told her and Sarah�s jaw hit the floor.
�That�s back in the days of the pharaohs!� Sarah said loudly. Sarabi nodded and Sarah smiled. �That means you�re Seti�s youngest daughter!� Sarah said extremely excited. Sarabi nodded. Sarah�s eyes shone with a light Sarabi hadn�t seen earlier.
�You really like history don�t you?� Rei asked smiling.
�What was it like? Back in ancient Egypt?� Sarah asked ignoring Rei�s question. Sarabi just smiled.
�Wouldn�t you rather know more about the school?� Sarabi asked and Sarah shook her head no. Sarabi laughed. �Okay then. Very dusty.� Sarabi told her with a smile and Sarah made a face and rolled her eyes.
�Really.� She said. They spent the next three hours eating and talking about Sarabi�s past. Most of it anyway. Rei didn�t say much, but she was thoroughly enjoying the conversation. Sarah had even forgotten about the fact they would soon be boarding a plane and flying to New York where her new future laid ahead of her.