Chapter Two
Saba followed Blue Beetle into a building that looked like one of the Meta-Human Youth Centers from the television.
"What are we doing here?" the boy asked quietly, shifting closer to the Beetle as strangers looked over.
"I brought you here to help you get control over your Metagene" Blue Beetle explained softly, "don't worry, I will be here for as long as you want me to"
Saba nodded and they entered a large room with chairs in a circle, like a therapy group. Two chairs were empty.
"Beetle, was wondering when the two of you will get here" a light brown skinned male with triangle-shaped black hair greeted the El Paso hero, the two hugged.
Beetle pulled away first, "Ed, this is Saba, he was on the Reach ship"
Ed looked at Saba and Saba shrunk and hid behind the Beetle's metal leg.
"Well Saba, we will be happy to help you" Ed smiled kindly.
Saba nodded slightly but stayed where he was. Saba cautiously followed the metal hero to the chairs and only sat down when encouraged by the other. Blue Beetle took the seat next to him.
Ed spoke about how the Metagene was a gift, not a curse. Then they went around talking about their Metagenes and counseling each other.
"Saba, would you like a turn" Ed asked not unkindly.
Saba shook his head and looked at his lap.
"That's alright, take your time, we have these sessions everyday, twice on Fridays" Ed said in a nice tone.
Saba nodded in understanding.
That night, Saba slept in a room with three others, a curtain surrounding each bed so that there was some privacy.
A boy, no older than 19 years of age laid unconscious on a metal slab. His shirt off and back exposed. A small blue beetle was attached to his spine, in between his shoulder blades.
"Wake him up" a dark and deadly voice demanded, "I want him to be awake for this"
Water was dumped on his head, snapping him awake.
Saba awoke and looked around. Soft rays of moonlight shone from the window next to his bed.
Saba felt scared. The boy, whoever he was, was in danger. The boy meant something to Saba in some way, Saba knew this because he never had Deja-Vu dreams about anyone else unless if he was somehow involved. This however, felt like he wasn't there.