Alone. I remember always being alone. I always thought how unfair it was for me to be alone-and I hated it with my very soul.

The worst part about being alone was the torture because I was different.

I remember being alone in the locked closest. It was the scariest and worst of times. The darkness seemed to want to consume me and that was the worst part.

I developed a fear for the dark.

I tried to scream but nothing I ever did worked. No one would ever hear me.

The second worst part was the gossip, name calling, and bullying.

Sure, I could fight pretty damn well since I had been on the streets for a year or so-but I didn't believe in beating up people who were weaker than I.

I sat in my tree. Yes it was my tree for I had deemed it thus. In a way it was my security blanket. All trees were for they could house me.

Right now I sat in the apple tree. It was my favorite tree, my safe tree.  Bellow me some of the girls were gossiping.

"She's such a freak!"

"I know, like, she is, like, such a dork!"

"Ya~a, she can't even wear a uniform cause she wouldn't fit!" then they laughed in their squeaky high-pitched voices. I hated their high-pitched voices-they always gave me a headache.

It was true though. I didn't wear the school's uniform. I wore a hooded cape, cowl, baggy blue jeans, and a baggy t-shirt that reached to the crook of my elbow and an added touch of fingerless black gloves; while the other girls wore skirts and blouses and the boys wore pants and button down shirts.

Why was I so different?

Honestly I had no idea as to WHY my appearance was as it was. All I can remember is always being like this. My skin was a light bluish-gray color with a darker shade of bluish-purple rocks that assorted my features.

I was a monster.

My eyes were brown, and my long blonde hair was always done in a ponytail and it went past my tan fox ears that lay on top of my head.

Did I mention I also had short fangs?

Ha, that was a trip.

Oh course then there was a mark that curled down my right arm. It was a black dragon and it's head rested atop my hand; its red eyes always stared at you it seemed. Ms. Laguna, the woman who ran this place, Shady Pines Orphanage, gave me a bandage to wrap it in- so it was never seen.

Of course as if my problems weren't bad enough; if I concentrated on the word 'Sora' giant, black, dragon wings would come out of my back and enable me to fly. I never knew why it was so, so I accepted what I was.

A monster.

And if that didn't make matters bad enough, I was mute. Oh yes, wasn't that just peachy?

I remember becoming so. It was all mother and father's fault. Father's fault for slapping Mother and making her kill him. Mother's fault for driving in the rain. And mother's fault for smashing into the wall she should have seen but didn't cause she was too drunk.

Mother's fault for dieing and leaving me in this hellhole.

"Kai! Come down!" One of my two and only friends, Mitsuko called to me. I looked at her and shook by head.

"If you don't, I'll come up!" I rolled my eyes in good humor and continued to recline near the top of the tree. I remember how I met Mitsuko. It had been on the streets. For just as my mother had robbed me of my voice, her mother had robbed her of her health.

Mitsuko was sick with Aids. Her mother had sold her as a prostitute for a year. I could never imagine what Mitsuko's life had been like and I never wanted to.

Of course, my other friend was much closer to me than Mitsuko could ever be. His name was Touma. He had taken care of me on the streets and helped me get along without my voice.

We grew so close and we still were; so I wasn't surprised to see him behind Mitsuko. He smiled and helped her up onto the first branch and then he too began to climb.

Of course, he got to me first and got comfortable before helping me pull Mitsuko up. She smiled at me.

"So, are you day dreaming again?" I nodded my head tiredly.

"You know, we might get in trouble for staying up here." Touma said quietly. When he spoke of trouble he meant the other kids. He always tried to protect me from getting locked in confined spaces and sometimes he'd even get locked inside with me. But most times no one cared or even knew I was locked away until I was near hysteria. Then they, Mitsuko and Touma, would come and break me out. I'd fall into his arms and cry while he said comforting words and calmed me.

I always loved the feel of his arms around me.

Maybe that was because he didn't mind how I looked and he knew there was a cure out there for me somewhere. He even said that when he turned eighteen he'd take Mitsuko and me out of here, even though I was two years younger and Mitsuko was only a year younger.

I sighed softly and leaned on the tree, looking at the sky. I knew this sweet moment with my friends wouldn't last for long, but I savored it nonetheless. The sound of Touma's breathing. His beautiful brown eyes looking at me with concern and his brown hair hanging in his face, and his muscular frame-much like mine.

Then I looked at Mitsuko. I savored her jet-black hair and long bangs that were only a few inches shorter than her hair that was piled at the top of her head in a ponytail. Her dark brown eyes looked at my lighter ones and they danced with laughter. I never wanted her to die and I will always hope they find a cure for her illness.

Both of them wore the uniform that the orphanage had given us and I smiled a bit. I knew I'd never be the same as them. They were perfect and I didn't understand how Touma could love a freak like me.

A rock slammed into my arm and I looked down. It was a group of people, girls and boys alike, who I considered the most popular group in the orphanage. They always got their way and they considered themselves to be perfect; even though they were not.

The one who had thrown the rock was the girl that tormented me every living moment.

Mandy.

I never liked her. She was tall and had strong arms. Her eyes were a deep blue and her hair a 'perfect' blond. She always had people around her.

The only thing that was worse than being Mandy was trying to be Mandy.

That is where Miranda came in. she was Chinese looking and had jet black hair that was always pulled into a bun a little bit above the nape of her neck. Her eyes were almost black and her smile was perfect.

Boys always flocked around the two and that's why girls strived to belong to that group.

I hated it with a vengeance, all three of us did.

"Ms. Laguna says you have to come in; some people are coming to check out the orphanage." Mandy said in her annoying, high-pitched singsong voice.

I didn't move and another rock was thrown at me.

"You better listen to me freak! I don't want you to make our orphanage look bad. Just because a freak like you will never get picked doesn't mean you have to ruin it for us all!" Then they laughed at me. I couldn't even talk back to them as they always talked back to me.

I knew exactly where I was to go. Ms. Laguna loved to put me in the closest when people came to check out the rest of the kids. She left me there and never got me out. I probably would have died in there a long time ago had Mitsuko and Touma not always come to get me.

No one ever wanted them either. Mitsuko because of her AIDS and Touma because he was too old. He was nearly the oldest person in the orphanage and he knew he'd. He even worked a job on the weekends so he could save up for a small apartment when he got out of here.

I always missed him when he was gone for they always picked on me the most when he wasn't here.

I looked over at Touma who sighed.

"Stop throwing rocks! We're getting down!" he first helped Mitsuko down and then he paused on his steps going down-looking right into my eyes.

"Don't worry just think of me and Mitsuko while you're in there, o.k.?" I nodded and bit back tears as he gently touched my face from underneath the hood. Only he could do that without being totally grossed out. Well, he and Mitsuko that is.

I sighed softly and started climbing down. Touma gently picked from the tree when I was almost down with a smile. I smiled and shook my head too. He loved to swing me about once before he set me down; which he did.

As we walked I ignored the snide comments and the shoves I got. For the three of us were intractable; they were my security blankets and without them I know I'd be lost.

We entered the big building. Inside it was slightly chilled since the air conditioner was on and since it was so hot outside.

Ms. Laguna was waiting for me.

"There you are." She said gruffly and took my arm. Quickly I was led from my friends and to the farthest corner of the house. She was going to put me in the big closest this time. The one that had a small window.

When we got there she spun me to face her.

"I expect you not to make a sound-one sound, got that!?" she yelled. Her breath reeked of alcohol and tobacco.  The smell always made us kids sick and right now it was really bad. But I nodded.

Ms Laguna was a petite woman with a stuffed bra. She always wore scanty dresses that showed off her stuffed bra. We all knew it was stuffed because sometimes one side was bigger than the other. Ms. Laguna also wore too much make up and she had no fashion sense at all.

She unlocked the door and flung it open. I could see dust in the air and the small window. Fear pricked me.

I would be alone.

She pointed inside and I gulped-walking in.

No sooner had I done that the door closed and the locks bolted. I turned around and touched the door, my bluish-gray fingers looked so weird against it. I sighed and went to the place where the sun was-as well as a window. A limo pulled in and I sighed.

I hoped some nice little kid or kids would be traveling away in that.

But I knew it would not be me.

I turned away and felt around the floor. If only I could find it…. There! I lifted up a loose floorboard and reached inside. I pulled out a very dusty book. I set it down beside me and gently lowered the floorboard back down silently. It made no sound and a let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.

Facing the window again I pulled a blanket from the corner. I had brought it here the first time I had been introduced to this particular closet. It was the one I always went in when parents were coming to get a kid or two-maybe even three sometimes.

I spread the baby blue blanket out on the floor and sat in the small piece of sun quietly. I gently took the book and moved it before me. Then, with precise fingers, I moved the hood away and brushed one of my long, pointed elfin ears.  I smiled and let the hood fall back and lowered the cowl, and then I let the sun warm my face. I closed my eyes and secret pleasure and played with my right elfin ear. It had two silver hoped earrings on it. They were really small but I always like to play with them.

I sighed softly and let my hands drop to the book. I whipped away a layer of dust and revealed the title. It was one of my favorite books. I had swiped it from the garbage when I was living on the streets.

I loved to read, and it was called 'Spell Fall' I loved that book a lot and I smiled to myself. Only Touma and Mitsuko knew I had stashed this away in here for I knew if Ms. Laguna found it she would destroy it.

I sighed again and opened the book but found I didn't have the heart to read it. Os instead I settled in a comfortable position and watched as all two hundred and six kids lined up in a straight line.  I looked for Mitsuko and Touma and found them at the very end where all the kids with 'deformities' or were too old were gathered in a small half circle off a ways.

I turned my attention to the black limo that had paused at the gates and now was coming into the driveway and parking. I wondered what type of people would come out of there and was shocked when I bald man in a wheelchair came out with a tall man in blue jeans, white shirt, and jean jacket came out. Following them came a red haired girl who looked about eighteen and a guy wearing red sunglasses who looked nineteen. I peered closer at the car and I swear I saw something blue and fuzzy. Maybe it was a jacket?

But why did it move?

~

"Are you sure this is the right place, professor?" Scott asked from behind the person in question. Xavier smiled.

"Yes, I can feel their presences, can you feel it Jean?" Scot looked over at his girl friend who nodded.

"Yes, I feel two of them together and one all alone." She said quietly. Scott put an arm around her shoulders and she sighed and smiled at him.

Up front Logan rolled his eyes and muttered something about 'kids and their love-y dove-y crap'.

"So, are we going to send elf in if your suspicions are correct, Charles?" Charles Xavier folded his hands and rested his chin on them.

"I believe so if it is necessary." They continued on their way and soon were met by a very scantily dressed woman. Her brown hair was done up at the top of her head and curled. A cigarette was in her hand and she puffed it one before throwing it down.

"Why greetings Mr. Xavier." She said, a slight slur in her voice. She smiled showing off her tobacco stained teeth. They were silent for a few seconds.

"Well, I'll just leave you to inspect the kids and pick which one or ones you want. I'll be waiting in the front office!" She smiled curtly and sauntered back inside.

"So which ones are they Professor?" Scott asked. Charles pointed over to the small half circle of kids.

"You and Jean go ahead and get them this will be a great opportunity for Jean to test out her power. I need to try and find the other one."

"Right professor." Jean tugged on Scott's arm and pulled him over to the small half circle.

The kids there stared at them like robots in a way and it made Scott uneasy. Jean sent her power through the small group and leaned on Scott as her mind strained. But like a beacon in the night, Touma and Mitsuko stood out clearly in her mind.

The kids watched as Jean whispered the information to Scott and then they both walked over to the end of the circle where Mitsuko and Touma were.

"Will you please come with us?" Mitsuko looked at Touma.

"Why?" Mitsuko asked with malice in her voice.

"We'll explain later, o.k.?" Touma stepped foreword and regarded them warily.

"This doesn't mean we're coming with you. We both have something very important here." Though he was only seventeen he stood up to Scott bravely.

"Don't worry, we wont force you into any of that." Scott said raising his hands in mock surrender. The two followed jean and Scott back to the Professor slowly and warily.

Professor Xavier glanced at Logan.

"Look in the window near the shrubs, tell me if you see what I do." Logan looked right where Kai was.

"I see. Need the elf?"

"I believe so." Then as discreetly as possible, Logan left and went back to the car.

Xavier then turned his attention back to the group of four and smiled as they came to him.

"Hello, I'm professor Xavier." He stretched his hand out to Touma who shook it warily.

"What do you want?" he asked harshly. Xavier continued to smile as he let his hand rest.

"I guess I should start from the beginning shouldn't I?" The stared at him and he continued quickly.

"I run a school for talented individuals like yourselves."

"We aren't talented." Mitsuko spat angrily. The professor continued without missing a beat.

"Lots of people say that, but I know different for I can read your thoughts and I see your hidden potential. At my institute, people like you develop their abilities and learn to control it. Of course I won't force you into it and you may stay here if you wish but I ask you to think about it." Touma immediately shook his head.

"I have a friend here. I wont leave her to go to some school." The professor folded his hands and rests his head on top of them.

"Tell me, is your friend, different?" Touma and Mitsuko stiffened.

"What the hell are you talking about?" he narrowed his eyes dangerously and Mitsuko clenched her fists.

"Do not worry, we have been watching you three for some time now." Touma glared.

"Talk." The professor sighed and began telling them about Cerebro and the institute and exactly what he thought their powers would be. The just stared at him through the whole thing.

"I know, you, Mitsuko, can manipulate water because-"

"How?! It was only once! ONCE!" she said in near hysteria, knowing fully well it hadn't been once.

"Please, calm down. It may have only been once, but Cerebro is very delicate and can detect the smallest things." The professor said, playing along with the lie.

Touma looked at Mitsuko.

"We've got to calm down, o.k. Mitsuko? This school may help us." Mitsuko whipped her eyes from tears.

"I thought no one knew…."

"No one else knows, o.k. Mitsuko? It's going to be fine."

"I just don't want to end up like Kai…." Touma eventually calmed her. He stared at the professor.

"I'm not going anywhere without Kai."

"Then you wont." Touma blinked.

"I know all about your friend as well." His eyes shinned with amusement at Touma and Mitsuko's bafflement.

"I'll explain later." He turned to Jean and Scott.

"Can you please go and sign the adoption papers for me?"

"Uh, right professor." The four left again.

Logan opened the car door and Kurt looked at him with his golden eyes.

"Am I going in?" he asked in his thick German accent that could never hide his excitement. Logan sighed.

"Ya, and put on your best face." Kurt gave him a thumbs up and a cheeky little grin as he pushed the blue button on his holo-watch. Immediately he changed into the more human looking Kurt.

"Now get goin', elf." No sooner had Logan said that was Kurt off in a poof of dust and a 'bamf' sound.

"And PLEASE don't mess this up." Logan added to himself and settled himself in the driver's seat for a short nap.

I whipped away my tears as I saw Mitsuko and Touma walk away. I wish I knew what had been said or could at least hear their voices one last time. I knew it was too good to be true. No one wanted to be friends with a freak. I just thought that… that… no! I wouldn't think about it. I returned to reading my books but I couldn't concentrate. I watched the group talk with the bald man that would take them away from me.

I couldn't help it and I began to cry silently; knowing that if I made any sound I was surely going to get in trouble. Probably miss dinner.

I lay down on the blanket and closed my eyes. Maybe they just wanted to talk. Ya that was it! They only wanted to talk…. Hopefully. I don't know what I'd do if Mitsuko and Touma were taken from me. Both of them were different… just like me! I remember the first time Mitsuko moved water. She created an umbrella for Touma, herself, and me in an alley. He had been panicked and hadn't known how she'd done it at first but soon she controlled it pretty well.

And no one saw; just as no one had seen my appearance except for the orphanage kids and Ms. Laguna. Of course Touma and Mitsuko as well.

I sat up and drew my knees to my face and rocked back and forth quietly.

At least it wasn't dark in this closest. I was just alone.

I knew Touma could heal. I remembered how he'd stumbled upon that as well. I had gotten a nasty cut somehow and he had healed it for me.

It was always hard for people to hurt me because my skin was so hard. But when I did get hurt I could bleed to death. It always scared me thinking about it.

I sighed.

I was the only one who was misshapen and I hated it. I hated it, hated it, hated it! Only Touma saw me cry about it. Heck, he was the only one who saw my cry period.

I loved him so much.

I sighed softly again. I always sighed when I was sad. Looking out the window, I couldn't see Touma or Mitsuko anymore and I felt a tear roll down my face.

It's not fair.

BAMF!

I jumped and looked to see a poof of dust and a guy standing there. He had on kaki pants a red shirt with a jacket on top. His hair was a dark bluish color. He smiled.

"Guten tag froline," he spoke German. I backed away on instinct and pulled up my hood and cowl. Who the hell was this guy and how did he get here?!

He smiled.

"Don't be afraid, froline. I'm here to help." He reached for me and I knocked his hand away. Before me his image sizzled and there before me stood the creature I thought I had seen in the limo!

"Don't be afraid!" it was too late for being afraid, I had already concentrated on 'Sora' and now my wings stood out.

"Vait!" he yelled, but I turned around and broke through the window, squeezing myself out. What if her was a mutant hunter or something? I heard about people like those form Ms. Laguna when she was feeling inconsiderably mean. What if they waned to kill me and dissect me!? I had to get out of here! I had to! I took off at full speed- heading towards the woods; my only escape.

"Oh zats just vonderful!"

BAMF

Kurt reappeared in the car. Logan looked at him.

"You messed up, didn't you, elf?"

"She just freaked!" he said with an angry pout. Logan sighed heavily, muttering something incoherent.

"Which direction?"

"She's in za voods!" Kurt replied. Logan got out of the limo and shut the door saying something to Kurt that sounded like 'Sat here.'

Touma and Mitsuko looked at Jean and Scott as they signed the papers and paid the small adoption fee, it was taking forever. They had already gone to get what few possessions they owned and finally, when they returned, it was done Ms. Laguna waved all too cheerfully.

"Thank you very much!" she said in a happy voice.

"Come on you two, let's get back to the professor."

"Wait, what about Kai?" Mitsuko said suddenly.

"Don't worry, we can talk to the professor about it." Touma reassured.

When they got back the professor and Logan were frowning.

"What… what is it?" Jean asked suddenly.

"Our third guest flew into the woods and-"

"What happened? Kai? Was it Kai?" Touma asked suddenly, temper flaring.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I sent one of the students in to get her and she got scared."

"Well you said you were some sort of mind reader, where is she?!" Mitsuko screeched.

"Just calm down Mitsuko, please." Xavier sent a wave of telekinesis out in the forest. He blinked confusedly.

"All I can see is a large tree, a weeping willow."

"Oh." Was all Touma said before he took off for the woods. Professor Xavier looked to Mitsuko for an explanation.

"It's their secret place. It's where they go if they want to be 'alone'." She was obviously calm now that she knew where her friend was. She smiled.

"Don't worry, Touma can take care of it." Logan muttered something about 'kids and their love-y dove-y crap' again as he went fuming to the limo.

"Is he always like that?" Mitsuko asked bluntly.

"Um, ya." Jean smiled. Mitsuko sighed and  put her hands behind her head; looking at the sky.

"So what can YOU do?" she said, looking at Scott and Jean.

"We can't show you here, Scott's ability isn't, well, too friendly." Jean smiled, and touched Scott's arms lovingly. Mitsuko made a face of disgust.

"If it's not Touma and Kai it's someone else." The Professor raised an eyebrow at her general direction. Mitsuko sighed and with a dramatic sigh she cupped her hands and looked at the sky.

"Oh my dearest love, take me to the stars!" she said in a sugary voice. She dropped the act.

"Get it?" Xavier chuckled. Jean and Scott looked at each other and laughed.

"What? It's true." Mitsuko smiled cheekily.

"Either that or it's 'eye love'" she sighed seeing their looks.

"Oh forget it. It's the term people use on the street." More looks and she sighed again.

"Never mind, just, never mind."

Touma worked his way through the woods quickly. He had been traveling for only a few minutes when he reached the small bridge he and Kai had built to get across the small river to get to their little island that supported a gigantic weeping willow.

It was a truly beautiful tree. Glorious branches and vines hid everything inside.

He ran across the creaky old bridge and pushed past the vines hastily. He stepped on the mossy ground and was met by humid air. This tree was always warmer on the inside it seemed.

"Kai?" he called softly. He heard a soft rustling and looked up. Kai was nestled in a hammock he had bought coming home from work one day. Together both of them had hung it and usually spent most of their days there.

When they could get away from Ms. Laguna, that is.

The hammock was near the top and Kai peeked at him with tear filled eyes. Touma sighed softly and walked over to the tree and started to climb.

Kai made room for him and he sat down next to her. Immediately he found her huddled in his lap. He gently hugged her and swung them back and forth. Her wings had returned and the clothes had returned to their normal places-not even a tear.

"Sssh… sssh… come on now. It's gonna be alright." He pushed her cowl down, and pushed her hood away, and then he petted her head gently, running his fingers through her soft blonde hair. She sniffled and looked up at him.

-Touma…- she mouthed and he pulled her into his lap, hugging her tenderly.

"I love you." He said softly. She looked at him and burst into tears again.

"Sssh, don't cry…. Don't cry, o.k.?"

-How can you love a monster?- she mouthed to him.

"You are not a monster. If anything, you are an angel."

-Touma….- She relaxed in his arms and cuddled him softly. She seemed to say that she was scared.

"Look, those people will not hurt you. I swear that to you." Touma said, rocking them back and forth some more.

"They are good people and they only want to help us, why don't we go ahead and give it a chance, shall we?" he felt her nod against his chest. He held her there a few minutes and then her breathing slowed.

She had fallen asleep; the day's events had taken it's toll around her. He smiled and gently prodded her hood back up.

Then, with great ease he slid her onto his back and climbed down the tree. When he reached the bottom he readjusted her on his back and chuckled when she made no move to wake up.

"My poor baby." He smiled and walked across the bridge and began trying to find his way back.

~

It had been nearly forty-five minutes when Mitsuko FINALLY spotted them in the distance. After they got closer she groaned.

"See? I told you; more love-y dove-y crap."

By the time Touma reached them it had been nearly an hour since he had given chase. He panted quietly, but smiled-adjusting Kai's weight on his back.

"Well, that… was easy enough." He smiled.

"She fell asleep?"

"She was exhausted when I got to her." He shot Mitsuko a look when he found her grinning at him. But she only looked at him innocently.

"What?"

"Gutter head."

"Am not…." She grinned and stretched.

"I was only gonna say that it took ya long enough."

"Shall we go then?" Scott asked, interrupting the small discussion that he was sure would turn into an argument. 

"Fine with me."

~

Kai woke up about halfway through the ride. At first she just blinked dizzily-seeing only Touma at the moment. But then she took in her surroundings and her eyes widened, she would have tried to bolt but Touma put a hand on her shoulder.

"Calm down. You're fine." Kai's eyes darted around wildly, and she let out an unsteady breath. Touma slowly removed his hand from her shoulder, now sure she wouldn't run.

Suddenly her hands darted up and made sure her cowl and hood her up.

"You're with friends now." Said a new voice. Kai looked over to see the bald man she had seen from the closet. She stared at him.

"I'm professor Xavier. I run a school for gifted children like yourself." Kai looked at Touma and mouthed something.

"Kai, don't you dare go there."

"So, Kai. It is completely up to you to decide whether or not you want to join." Kai looked at Touma.

"I joined, so did Mitsuko-she's in the back." He added the last part, as if answering her question. Kai sighed and looked back and Xavier, who stretched out his hand. She hesitated in putting her hand up, but shook it anyway.

"Splendid." Xavier smiled.

"I'll introduce you to the students as soon as we get back, welcome to the X-men." Kai looked at Touma immediately after Professor Xavier finished his sentence. The later of the two seemed to nod and he turned to the professor.

"Um, begging your pardon, but.. I did forget to mention one thing…"

"Yes?"

"Kai can't talk. She's mute." There were several minutes of silent and Kai buried her face in Touma's arm.

"Oh come off it Kai, silence merely means he's thinking." Kai peeked up at Touma and sat up. She starred at Professor Xavier.

He was smiling.

"You needn't worry too much about that, here." He handed her something.

"I had forgotten to give this to you. Let's just say it's a welcoming present." Kai looked at the watch and gave it a questionable look.

"Put it on and press the blue button." Kai did as was told, and Touma gave a startled cry as her image flickered and reformed.

She looked like a human, and instead of the cape and cowl, she now wore a pair of baggy blue jeans and a nice baggy shirt.

Kai's reaction was a startled jump and an unbelieving look at her hands. She looked at them in utter disbelief.

"It's not a cure mind you, it's only a holo inducer." Touma gently touched Kai's face.

"It's still stone…" Kai blushed and Touma began to laugh.

-What?- she mouthed.

"I can finally see it clearly when you blush."

-That's not funny!- she mouthed back.

"It's not a cure, but as I promised, I'll find one." Kai rolled her eyes.

-You and your mushy stuff. I'm beginning to see what Mitsuko sees-

"Oh, god forbid that." Kai turned back to Professor Xavier and smiled.

-Thank you very much.-

"You're very welcome." Kai sighed softly and leaned on Touma, and idea struck her and she looked at Touma in a panic.

"What is it?" Professor Xavier asked.

-Ms. Laguna.-

"Don't worry about that. I'm sure she'll understand and if she doesn't I can always pull a few strings." Kai nodded and relaxed back into Touma's side, and he put an arm around her.

~

An hour later the car stopped and Mitsuko was the first to get out. She breathed in the air and sighed.

"God I hate cars."

"So do I," Kurt seconded beside her. Jean and Scott got out more silently. Professor Xavier was next, shortly followed by Touma and then Kai. Last, but not least was Logan who went off to be somewhere by himself.

"Kai-chan! Wasup!? Ooo I see you got the holo watch, isn't it, like, so cool?" Mitsuko said excitedly. Kai starred.

"Did they give you sugar or something Mitsuko?" Touma asked.

"Nope, I'm just all happy like." Kai raised an eyebrow as Mitsuko poked her.

"Hey, your still rock hard! Go you!" Kai blushed and looked quite a bit startled when Mitsuko grinned.

"So, what did you two do in there?" Kai's face reddened more and her eyebrows shot to her hairline. So did Touma's.

"M-Mitsuko…."

"What? What did I do?" she grinned and elbowed Kai playfully.

-Mitsuko cut it out!- Kai mouthed angrily. Mitsuko sighed.

"Oh fine, spoil all my fun." Mitsuko put on a smile again after only a few seconds. She turned to Scott, Jean, and Kurt who were watching them with amused glances.

"Kai, Touma, this is Jean, Scott, and Kurt."

"It's nice to meet you." Jean stretched out her hand and Touma shook it with a smile, while Kai hesitantly did.

"It's nice to meet you as well." Touma smiled and then shook Scott's hand as well, urging Kai with a simple prod to do the same. Afterwards, Jean and Scott shared a glance.

"Uh, welcome to the X-men?" Kurt smiled and shook Touma's hand. Touma and return looked startled for a second feeling the fir, but smiled none-the less. Kai stared at Kurt for a minute before doing the same. She looked slightly startled and then she looked at him closer. Quickly she tugged on Touma's arm and mouthed something to him.

"Vhat?" Kurt asked, confused at the lack of sound. Touma chuckled and smiled.

"She says she remembers you. You were the fuzzy thing that she thought was a mutant hunter." Kurt pointed to himself.

"Me? Za fuzzy dude? Never." Kai smiled a bit and turned back to all of them.

-It's nice to meet you all.-

"Am I going deaf?" Kurt asked as he poked a finger into each of his ears. Kai looked down in embarrassment at this and fidgeted uncomfortably. Thankfully, Touma and Mitsuko came to the rescue.

"She's mute." They said simultaneously.

"Oh." Scott and Jean chorused, while Kurt said an embarrassed apology. Kai mouthed something to Mitsuko.

"She's says it's O.K." She said with a big smile.

"Well, now that you all have met, it's late and I suggest we all get some rest. We can finish the introductions in the morning."

"Right Professor, Goodnight." Scott and Jean left after Jean had also said Goodnight to professor Xavier.

"Goodnight Professor!"

BAMF

Professor Xavier smiled and Turned to the three new recruits standing there.

"I trust you wont mind sharing a room, and I can trust you?" Kai and Touma blushed while Mitsuko proceeded to laugh.

"We aren't like that Professor!" both said, err, Kai mouthed, at once, reddening in the face.

"Alright, just making sure. Follow me." They turned and it was then that the three caught site of the 'house'.

-Oh my god!-

"It's giant!"

"You're loaded!" Professor Xavier raised and eyebrow and smiled.

"Please, follow me."

The three followed the professor through a maze of halls and they finally stopped at a door.

"This will be your room. I made sure to call ahead while you were sleeping so there are clothes for you in the dressers. I'm sure you can find out which one is which; there is also a bathroom and three beds. Is that alright?"

"Thank you so much professor Xavier, we don't know HOW we can ever repay you."

"There is no payment necessary. Dinner is at Seven thirty, I hope We'll be seeing you." And then he left.

Mitsuko was first to come out of shock and she opened the door. Inside three beds were lines up, and dressers were on the opposite sides of them. Mitsuko immediately went in and claimed the bed nearest to the door was hers, and ironically, when she opened the dresser in front of it, clothes of her particular like and size were in the drawers.

"Cool!" she said in awe, picking out a short sleeping gown, the color of hot pink. Touma and Kai walked in, the later shutting the door. Touma looked in the second dresser, and seeing it had his style of clothes claimed the bed across from it. He reached in and pulled out a pair of boxers to sleep in. Kai, in all pure sense, got the bed near the window and she went to it opened the dresser and was surprised to see clothes she'd actually wear.

~Wow, I'm impressed…~ she thought to herself as she looked at the baggy pants and shirts. Opening the third drawer she took out a pair of black boxers and a really baggy nightshirt. She looked over and smiled, seeing Mitsuko coming from the bathroom and Touma going in.

"You o.k.?" Mitsuko asked calmly, coming over and placing a hand on Kai's shoulder.

-Ya, just can't believe it.- She mouthed and smiled.

"Can't believe what?"

-That we might finally be in a place where we… I… fit in..- Mitsuko sighed and pressed the red button on Kai's holo watch, letting Kai's human image disappear and be replaced by her true one.

"Kai, you will always fit in with us."

"Bathrooms ready!" Touma smiled as he came out in his light blue boxers.

"I think I'm going blind!" Mitsuko said sarcastically as Kai went to change. Even with the door closed she heard her friends banter back in forth. She came out and clapped her hands for attention. They looked at her.

-Bed, now. Sleep.- They laughed quietly and each went to their own beds.

"Goodnight everyone." Mitsuko said.

"Goodnight." Touma said sleepily, and Kai mouthed Goodnight, even though no one could see and took off her holo watch, laying it on the table beside her bed, and closed her eyes as Touma turned out the light.

Even after everyone was asleep, which was fairly quickly, Kai was still up. She couldn't sleep, so she reopened her eyes. She wasn't used to sleeping on such a soft bed.

She was used to sleeping on the floor.

Kai finally sat up and looked at the window. It had a window bed/seat. She sighed softly and got up. To her surprise, there was a blanket and pillow there. Smiling to herself she stood and walked over. The sight before her was of the back. And it overlooked the sea and forest. While she didn't like, or want to know how to swim, she did always love the sea; as well as forests-so she was comfortable as she curled up under the blankets.

In only a few minutes she was sleeping soundly.

~~

"Kai…. Kai wake up." Gentle shaking is what awoke me. I opened my eyes to see Touma's smiling face. What possessed him to wake me up at this ungodly hour I had no idea of, but I just pretended to still be asleep.

"Oh come on, don't do that. Breakfast is in fifteen minutes." I didn't care, I needed sleep. I pulled the blankets over my head and hopped he would go away.

He didn't, instead he chose to rip the blankets from me.

"Rise and shine sleepy head!" Mitsuko giggled from what I supposed was behind him and I begrudgedly got up. I hated to mornings, and always had. How those two could be so damn chipper was beyond me. I starred at Touma with an agitated look as he handed me some clothes. He had obviously been bored so he though he had to pick out what I was gonna wear.

He had everything but the necessities, and I was glad he didn't go through the underwear drawer. If he had done that I would have been forced to kill him. I looked at what he had picked out for me and raised an eyebrow.

A pair of baggy blue pants, a large blue shirt with the kanji symbol for Dragon on it.

"I put our shoes by the door, so we can put them on as we're going out, k?" Mitsuko smiled. I rolled my eyes.

-God, you're too chipper in the morning. Whoever..-

"We know, "whoever thought of mornings should be drug out into the street and shot.'" They chorused with me. I couldn't help but smile, and laugh in silence.

"Now, get out of bed and get dressed." I sighed and smiled, standing up and going to the dresser Professor Xavier had arranged for me. Grabbing some unmentionables I retreated to the bathroom.

I dressed quickly and took my hair down, running my fingers through it and retying it. I looked at myself in the mirror and then slipped on my holo watch. I pressed the blue button and stared. How could his be? I could never repay the Professor enough…. But then an idea sprung me. Why not show appreciation and cook him a nice dinner?

When I came out Touma and Mitsuko were going at it again, this time about virginity or something. I paid it no heed and proceeded to make my bed. I finally got them broken apart and 7:22; we had eight minutes to find our way to the kitchen.

-Do any of you recall seeing a kitchen?-

"Nope."

"Nopers." I sighed a bit; this would prove to be a challenge.

~~

"So, like, did you hear what Kurt said?" Kitty asked Rogue as she ate a piece of toast.

"Ya, I heard we got new recruits, so what?" Rogue took a bagel. Evan sighed contently with his donut.

"So, are they, like, nice?" Kitty turned to Kurt, expecting full detail. He just smiled.

"I'm not going to tell you."

"Oh! You're, like, no fun!" Kitty pouted and continued to munch on her toast.

"It's best not to pry, half pint." Kitty just laughed a bit at Logan's comment.

"Ya, I'll, like, keep that in mind." Logan muttered something and continued to read his newspaper, a cup of coffee in hand.

"Where's the Professor anyway?" Kitty asked suddenly.

"Probably with Mr. McCoy." Said Evan.

"I heard them discussing something as I was coming down."

"Oh, then, like, where are Jean and Scott?"

"Probably eating each other's fa-"

"We're right here." Jean said sharply, coming from the door; interrupting Evan's sentence and giving him a sharp look. He in turn happily munched on his donut. Scott too came through the door a few seconds later, and then he was followed by a very bouncy looking raven haired girl, a mild looking guy with brown hair, and a timid blonde who's hand was being held by the brown one.

"Man, thank goodness you found us, we could have gotten lost for years and years just following Kai's good sense of smell." The raven-haired one said with a laugh. The blonde sent her a glare and mouthed something at the brown haired one who laughed. It finally dawned on the three that they were being watched and the raven-haired one grinned, waving slightly.

"Hi! I'm Mitsuko! It's nice to meet you, on the way down here I heard a lot about you from jean, she's very nice isn't she?" the students starred at Mitsuko curiously as she rambled on, only stopped by the blonde who casually poked her back.

"Nice to, like, meet you!" Kitty said excitedly.

"I'm Kitty."

"Nice to meet you!" Mitsuko beamed.

"And I am Touma, this is Kai." Touma pointed to Kai who shyly blushed and hid behind his back a bit.

"I'm Evan."

"Rogue." Logan merely shuffled his paper and stared for a minute.

"He's Mr. Logan."

"Why don't you sit down and have something to eat?" Scott offered. All three of them sat down, and a few minutes in Mitsuko and Kurt were engaged in an eating contest.

"Ew! That's, like, disgusting!" Kitty made a face at the two garbage disposals. Touma smiled.

"Believe me, when she's starved she will eat absolutely anything." Touma's smiled turned to Kai who was starring at the table and fidgeting slightly.

"You o.k.?" She looked at him and said something with her eyes cause he seemed to nod.

"You don't talk much, do you?" Evan suddenly asked. Scott, Jean, and Touma stiffened a bit.

"What?" Touma smiled gently at Kai.

"Kai doesn't talk at all Evan…"

"Why not?" Kai looked straight into Evans eyes and made a slicing motion with her hands. When he still didn't get it she turned it over to Touma.

"She's mute."

"Oh… I'm sorry." Kai shook her head and smiled.

-No need be.-

"What did she say? I'm afraid I'm not good at lip reading.."

"She said 'No need be'." Rogue said with a sigh.

"No worries, I'll get used to it."  The door opened again and a lady with white hair came in.

"Hey Auntie O!" Evan smiled.

"Good morning Evan." Her eyes turned to the three newcomers.

"You must be Touma, Mitsuko, and Kai. I am Ororo, but also known as Storm because of my gift." She smiled and took her seat at the breakfast table.

"After breakfast, Professor Xavier would like to speak to you, Kai." Kai simply nodded and pushed her chair from the table a bit..

"You barely ate." Touma said, a protective tone in his voice.

-I wasn't hungry.-

"Still…"

-I'm not anorexic, or ever hope to be anorexic!- Kai gave Touma a playful shove.

-Waste of food anyway.-

"What are you guys, like, talking about?" Kitty said with a confused expression.

"I, like, couldn't decipher anything you were talking so fast!"

"We were talking about absolutely nothing." Touma smiled.

-He's right, absolutely, positively nothing!- Ororo smiled and Kai looked at her.

-Where is Professor Xavier, please?-

"He's waiting for you in the lounge. It's down the hall and to your right."

-Thank you very much Ms. Ororo.- Kai politely excused herself from the table and left.

"So, like, where did you come from?" Kitty asked with a smile-ignoring Kurt and Mitsuko who were still engaged in war.

"We came from the Shady Pines Orphanage. We were previously running around on the streets. Before that, well, lets say we didn't have very pleasant experiences. Actually, Kai wasn't born mute, and she doesn't speak much about how it happened. Mitsuko, however, speaks often about her predicament and-"

"Go on and tell them, I don't care." Mitsuko interrupted between a mouthful. Touma sighed.

"Mitsuko had Aids because… well… her mother sold her as, well.. you know." A few collective 'Ooohs' went up and they starred at Mitsuko for a minute.

"She doesn't look sick."

"Because I keep it at bay with my gift."

"Cool! Can you, like, heal?" They watched Touma in anticipation and he contemplated telling them.

"We are all friends here Touma." Ororo said kindly. Touma smiled.

"Yes, I heal to the best of my ability-but so far I am not strong enough to cure."

"Still, that's pretty cool, man."

~

Kai knocked on the door she was instructed to go to. Immediately a large furry creature opened it. Kai only jumped slightly but smiled when she saw the Professor and knew it was o.k. and that it was another one of the 'gifted' people.

"Come, sit down." Xavier beckoned. Kai silently sat down in the chair he pointed out.

-Hello, and good morning.- She mouthed with a smile.

"Kai, I'd like you to meet beast, or Mr. McCoy."

"Hello, how do you do?" the creature's voice was calm, and Kai shook his outstretched hand without a thought until she had pulled back. She gently ran her hands over her stone hard and cold hands.

-Sorry.- She mouthed, looking down.

"Don't worry, we are all friends here; and we'd like to help." Kai looked at Professor Xavier and smiled weakly.

-It takes a lot of getting used to.- He nodded with a smile.

"Mr. McCoy wants to help, and so do I. Can you turn off your holo watch for us?" Kai nodded, a bit reluctantly but turned it off. She turned her eyes down so she wouldn't have to look at them, and fidgeted uncomfortably.

"You need no fear us; you should only fear, fear itself." Kai looked up instantly.

-You like philosophy?-

"Very much so. But my favorite is Shakespeare." Kai's eyes brightened a bit.

-Hamlet?-

"One of my favorites." Xavier cleared his throat and smiled; glad she had found a good bond.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to what you hide under that bandage." Kai gave Xavier a puzzled glance, but nodded and unwrapped the bandage.

"Is this familiar Hank?" Professor Xavier asked the big blue man.  Hank looked at Kai's arm closely.

"I can't put my mind on it, but yes. It looks vaguely recognizable." Professor Xavier nodded and folded his hands; again resting his head on them.

"You may put the bandages on again." Kai nodded and began the tedious task of rewrapping the bandages. Once she was done she looked up.

"Kai, would you mind if I took a sample of your skin in for testing? I'd like to try and find something to cure your it." Kai nodded and let Mr. McCoy take her hand and gently, with something she couldn't recognize, gently take some scrapings. It didn't hurt much, so she didn't make a sound.

"I'll go to the lab now." And he left her with professor Xavier.

"I sense there is something you wish to ask?" Kai nodded with a smile.

-I was thinking of a way to pay you back.-

"You need not to."

-I know, I WANT to. So I thought of something really nice this morning. I have a way with cooking.. or so Touma says..- She blushed slightly.

-So I wanted to ask you if I could cook for you.-

"I think I can arrange that, anything you need?"

-Do you have a table that I can cook for an audience? Just a large heating surface.- Professor Xavier raised an eyebrow and nodded.

"Care to tell me the plan?"

-I can cook GREAT Japanese food, yet Americanize it so everyone will like it.-

"Ah, I see. Anything special you need?" Kai reached into her pocket and brought out a list.

-Do you have these ingredients?-

"Yes, I'll have them brought out before you."

-Thank you professor-how many people am I serving?-

"Let's see, I believe it is ten."

-Great!- for the first time since Kai had come to the Xavier institute; she put on a great big smile.

~

Kai left the lounge a few minutes later with a smile on her face, and she intercepted Touma and Mitsuko in the hall who were just coming to get her.

-What?- she asked suddenly when Touma smiled.

"We're going to go outside to the beach; Ms. Ororo said it was o.k., and everyone else is coming along as well-do you want to come?"

-Sure, just NO more swimming lessons.- Kai gave Mitsuko a look.

"What? I didn't TRY to kill you, or drown you.  You just sunk and it took me a while to find you." Mitsuko said with an innocent grin.

Kai rolled her eyes, and three went to find their room-which wasn't that hard since Kai had actually paid attention to where they were going the other night.

"So, what did you talk to Professor Xavier about?" Mitsuko asked curiously, coming from the bathroom in a bathing suit she had found in a drawer. She was the last to change and Touma was in a pair of dark blue swimming short with little waves on them. He also wore a baggy shirt and his shoes. Kai was dressed in a pair of long shorts that reached her knees and the same t-shirt; she also wore her shoes-minus the socks.

Mitsuko now came out wearing a hot pink two-piece, but had short shorts on and her shoes. Both Mitsuko and Touma held a towel and Kai didn't bother with one.

-You ready now Mitsuko?- Kai asked with amusement.

"Yes, now I'm perfect." Touma and Kai looked at each other then rolled their eyes. Suddenly, there was a knock on their door; Kai opened it to see a smiling Kitty.

"Are you, like, coming or what?" Kai nodded and pointed to Mitsuko.

-She had to perfectionize herself- Kitty laughed as Mitsuko gave her a harsh look. While Touma just chuckled and put a hand on each of Kai's shoulders and leaned on her. Kitty starred at them.

"You two are, like, going out, aren't you?" She asked with a grin. Kai and Touma reddened while Mitsuko crooned.

"Yup, sure are. Sweetest little love bird I ever did see!" Mitsuko laughed with kitty as the two glared.

"Yare, Yare Mitsuko. Remember, I'm going to get you in the water."

"Remember, I have the advantage Mr. Healer. You MIGHT beat me if Kai joined you but you know she wont set foot in the water again."

"You're, like, not going to swim with us?" Kai shook her head.

-One near death experience n the water is enough for me, I'm just going to watch and laugh to myself when Touma creams Mitsuko.-

"Oh. Ready to, like, go then?"

"WOO HOO! Let's go!" Mitsuko bounced out of the room with Kitty while Touma and Kai went at a slower pace. It wasn't until they caught up with the group that someone noticed the holo watch.

"What's with the holo watch? I thought only Kurt needed that." Evan said, pointing to Kurt, who at this point, had his off. Touma gently patted Kai's shoulder.

"They wont make fun of you."

-Promise.-

"Zey never make fun of me." Kurt smiled, and continued trying to 'put the moves' on Kitty. Kai shook her head and jean smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"You don't have to feel obligated to do anything until you're ready." Kai smiled and nodded.

"Ready to go?" Scott took over leadership roll, and they began journeying down to the beach-with the occasional shriek from Kitty. Rogue stayed away from everyone- and she wasn't in a swimsuit either. In fact, she looked as though she didn't even like being around everyone as much.

It took about five minutes to get down to the small beach at the base of the cliff, but as soon as they did there were immediate shots and laughs and they raced foreword. Kai was silent, as was Rogue. The later went to a rock to dangle her feet in the water, while the former went to another large rock who's top was nearly flat to sun bathe.

~

Touma looked at me one last time before diving into the water. I didn't mind not going in, it didn't bother me in the least because I didn't like the water, therefore there was no reason to fret.

I stretched out on my rock to warm up. I always had loved the sun, or anything hot for that matter. In a way, heat was a safety blanket for me.

I closed my eyes from the harsh sunlight. I didn't like light that much for my eyes were very sensitive.

I think a lot when I close my eyes, and this time I'm thinking about my holo watch. Should I take it off? What will they say? They don't seem to make fun of Kurt, but what about myself, would they make fun of me?

Suddenly something very wet loomed over me and I opened an eye. It was Mitsuko, and she was grinning.

"So Ms. Sunlight, are you going to even enjoy yourself?"

-I am.- she sighed and sat next to me. Here it comes.

"Look, I know you're really sensitive about your appearance, but why don't you loosen up a little?" I sighed and thought this over. I hadn't had a lot of fun in ages, and it was a place where I was told I could be free.

The holo watch tempted me, screaming 'turn me off!' but I was afraid. What if they were undercover mutant haters?

No, they would have killed us already.

I sighed and looked up at her.

-You're not going to leave me alone until I do, are you?- she grinned cheekily.

"Nope, never." She took the time to ring her hair out all over me. I glared half-heartedly.

-Whatever, but if they laugh it's you who is going to pay.- I took a big gulp, and pressed the button and took the watch off. It was at that moment Mitsuko decided she'd like to get everyone's attention.

"Hey Touma!" she yelled, gaining everyone's attention. I blushed.

"Looki! Kai had finally decided to cut loose! Has the world ended!?" I buried my face in my hands and decided to push Mitsuko off my rock. She gave a startled to cry but laughed when she got back up, dusting herself off.

"So, are you still a virgin?" she said, err, well, yelled. I had finally had my last straw. I grinned evilly at Mitsuko.

-Sora- she had no time to run as I scooped her up. I knew she hated heights, so while she was busy screaming insults at me I flew as high as I dared go with a passenger, right over the ocean, and dropped her. I took great pride in watching her fall for a few seconds before I dove down.

I caught her inches before she hit the water. She glared at me and muttered something nasty; and I could only grin.

-Bye bye!- she gave a screech as I let her drop into the water. She came up sputtering a few seconds later.

-Remember NOT to piss me off.- she glared and just as I was about to leave, she had the nerve to grab onto my feet!

-If you want it that way, fine.- I started pumping my wings as fast as I could, and before I knew it she was out of the water and actually sliding on it! She was pretending to Jet ski! I sighed and turned to her.

-Get off, you're heavy.-

"Nope, go faster!" she grinned enthusiastically and waved to Touma who was laughing his ass off. I glared at him and decided to take things into my own perspective.

It then occurred to me that Mitsuko had done this so I wouldn't be scared about the others reactions. I looked at they were actually laughing and rooting for me. Evan was trying to place bets.

"See? Told you they would except it." Mitsuko grinned and then I grinned to. I shot up in the air and Mitsuko gave a screech.

"There she goes! Who bets Mitsuko is going to fall off?" I heard Evan shout.

"I bet you three candy bars!"

"You're on Kurt!" I looked to see them all starring, and then I looked at Mitsuko.

"I guess they think I'm going to fall." Mitsuko said, white in the face as she looked down.

-Bye.- I grinned and stopped flapping my wings, Mitsuko in all her fright, let go and we fell side by side-Mitsuko was of course screaming.

Right before we hit water I flipped over and caught her, and let her land easily in the water. She grabbed her heart.

"I'm NEVER going to tick you off again." She said as she caught her breath. I caught mine and floated a hair's breath from the water.  Mitsuko, seeing this, grinned and I had no time to get away before she jumped up and pulled me under.

Immediately I knew I was sinking, and sinking fast. Something was drawing me under, and it didn't feel right. I opened my eyes to see Mitsuko going back up and Touma coming right down.

I needed air, and I needed it fast. The edges of my vision began to blur and I felt my wings start moving again. The water churned around me and I felt myself shooting up.

Suddenly I felt the air I needed reenter my lungs as I shot up higher and higher towards the sky. I reopened my eyes to clouds. I have come up with the clouds. I look down; I can only see little dots.

-Birds…- I watch them fly bellow me. I wonder how long I was under the water. I blink dizzily and begin to descend slowly.

No more adrenalin rushes for me!

As I get closer I see everyone waiting. I descend faster and now I can hear Scott asking me something.

"Are you o.k.?" he yells, since I am still very high. I give him a weak thumbs up when really I'm shaking so bad it isn't even funny. As Soon as I touch Touma rushes up and hugs me, so does Mitsuko.

I can't help but smile as I'm sandwiched between them. Between Mitsuko saying 'I'm so sorry' over and over again and Touma checking to see if I'm all right, and saying how much he loves me I get pretty agitated. I look to the first person I see which just happens to be Rogue who is watching from a far. I give my best 'help me' look and she seems to get the message, thankfully.

"Just pull off, I think y'all made the point might clear to her." She says, speaking up for the first time. I marvel at her accent. Everyone seems to have an accent now a days and it gets quite funny. Mitsuko and Touma back off with embarrassed grins and I grab my chest, breathing out a sigh of relief. Then I grin at Mitsuko.

-I am SO going to get you. I know where you sleep.- I put my wings away with another grin.

"ooo, I'm so scared." She grins and elbows me. I turn and give Rogue a thankful smile.

Now mostly everyone is back in the water and playing-including Mitsuko who decides to play with the water by splashing everyone with forces of water. Touma stays behind and I lay my head on his lap while he strokes my hair. It always makes me feel so much better when he does that and before I know it my eyes are closed and he hums a soft tune to relax me even further.

"Do you still remember, all the time that has gone by…" he sings that right into my ears and I open my eyes to stare at him as he sings our song an octave lower than it is usually sung. I can't help but smile and mouth the words with him. Before I know it the song is over and everything is quiet.

"Man, I wish I had a camera." Both of us look to see Evan grinning and holding his hand sin a square.

"Yes, what a cute couple." He adds.

"Do you really want to free fall from hundreds of feet in the air?" Touma asks, semi calm.

"Uh… gotta go!" he runs back to the water's edge and I smile, shutting my eyes and feeling the warmth of the sun. Touma leans back on the cliff's side and sighs.

"It's so nice being able to express our powers without worrying too much." I nod and he chuckles, scratching behind my ear. I open my eyes and look at Touma's face.

"You're such a cute little kitten, aren't you?" he teases and I bat at his arm playfully. For once I can be at ease and be myself.

~

The group of students played at the small beach until Professor Xavier called them back in. He was smiling when they returned, and so were they because for once he didn't have to watch them practice-instead he got to let them have a small vacation.

"Did you enjoy yourselves?"

"Oh ya!" Kurt did his little party dance thing.

"I see you took off your holo watch, Kai. Good for you. I Hope you will feel more comfortable now," Kai nodded and smiled.

-I'll go get changed and get everything ready for dinner, don't let anyone peek until I say it's o.k., alright?-

"That's fine with me.' Receiving odd looks form her new friends and Touma and Mitsuko, Kai raced up to her room in a record speed.

"Like, what's going on?"

"Kai wants to cook for us tonight, she said she feels like she need to pay us back."

"Sveet!" Kurt was obviously enthused at the idea of trying new food.

"Why don't you all go and get dressed and meet me down in front of the dinning room?" Xavier offered. Kurt, Kitty, Mitsuko, and Evan raced foreword while Scott, Jean, Touma, and Rogue went calmly. Professor Xavier laughed to himself at the sight of their enthusiasm. This day off had obviously worked wonders and opened them all up a bit and that was something he was grateful for.

~

Kai was already dressed by the time Touma and Mitsuko entered their shared room. Mitsuko grinned at her ensemble. A nice baggy shirt, and you guessed it, nice baggy jeans as well. She also wore her shoes and a new pair of socks-she was grinning happily as she tied her hair back in a high bun. She had activated her image inducer again and was quite happy with herself.

"So what are you going to cook for us?" Mitsuko said, as Touma entered the bathroom to change so Mitsuko could change out here.

-My secret.- Kai winked and then laughed silently, her head tilted back wards and her shoulders shaking. Mitsuko smiled.

"I haven't seen you this happy ever."

-May it's because I'm feel so very good!- Kai smiled and stopped laughing as Mitsuko finished changing. She was dressed in a nice baby blue shirt and a pair of tight jeans with a nice hem. She gently pulled her hair back to the top of her head and her eyes sparkled with happiness.

"Can I come out now?"

"Yeah, come on let's see if Kai goes all goo-goo eyes when she sees."

-Ha, ha. Very funny. I'm laughing.- Kai glared playfully and Touma came out. Mitsuko laughed and whistled. He was in a pair of jeans and a black t-shit. His hair was combed and his eyes twinkled. Kai blinked and smiled.

-I have to go! Bye!- she dashed out the door. Mitsuko and Touma followed behind more casually.

When the two reached the door to the dinning hall everyone was waiting, some more impatiently than others-for they were hu~ungry! Poor Charles was forced to deal with some VERY hungry teenagers.

"Now calm down, this is just Kai's way of showing her appreciation, I'm sure she'll be ready shor-" the door opened and he was abruptly cut off, and smiled when Kai motioned them inside. They had to stop and blink. The tables had quickly been rearranged and a large cooking surface was before them. Plates were set up for each person, as well as silverware and chopsticks. Cooking utensils, food, and oils were set up behind the cooking surface and Kai took her stand there, motioning them all to sit down.

"Wow, like, that's so rad!"

"How did you get it all here, Professor?"

"I had a lot of help." He smiled at Logan, Hank, and Ororo who now took their seats, the two later with small smiles. Touma smiled as he and Mitsuko took a seat across from Kai. Kitty took a seat next to Mitsuko, Kurt next to kitty, Evan next to the empty seat Touma had made a point to save for Kai, Scott next to Evan, and then Jean sat by Scott, soon followed by Rogue who sat next to her. Finally Professor Xavier took his seat at the end.

"Are you, like, gonna cook for us?"

-Yes!- Kai nodded with a big smile. She started to turn around, but stopped.

"Wait!" at Mitsuko's call of course.

"Vhat now? Vere starving!" Kurt whined. Mitsuko giggled and stood up.

"Ishitakimas mina-san!" A chorus of 'what's' went up and Mitsuko beamed.

"It's traditional to wish everyone a good meal!" she sat down.

"Very well then."

-Thank you very much Mitsuko.- Kai smiled, bowed slightly, and took some oil, putting it on the heating surface-making a slight hissing noise. She then began to dump white rice on it, and cover it with more oil. She nodded at Ororo who dimmed the lights.

"Like, what's going on, Ms. Ororo? Why did you dim the lights?"

"Just watch kitty." Professor Xavier smiled and folded his hands, resting his chin on them. Kai suddenly lit a match and Mitsuko squealed.

"I'd lean back if I were you Kurt!" she warned. Kai waited until he did so and then held it over the 'oil'. Immediately it went up in a blaze and she pulled her hand back, blowing out the match and taking a spatula in hand. Smiling at the squeals and exclamations from her fellow peers, she began to turn the rice so it wouldn't burn. The flames died down and she began adding seasoning and some vegetables, all the while turning it. She looked at Touma for a minute, as if telling him something to refer to everyone else as she added some meat she had let cook before hand.

"Everyone hold out your smallest plate." Touma said with a smile.

"Why?" Evan immediately question.

"Just do it Evan." Jean shot back with a laugh, nudging Scott who immediately complied as well. Making sure everyone had done so Kai began to flip rice on everyone's plates.

"Cool!" Kurt exclaimed, getting his helping. Kai then took time give her own plate some attention. Once the rice was done with, she pushed the extra over to the side and began the main course.

-The rice is an appetizer, k?- she said, silently hoping everyone could see her.

"This is pretty good." Rogue commented quietly.

"What are you going to cook for us?" Evan asked, tasting his rice as well.

-I am making my version of the hamburger with some fried chicken.-

"Cool!"

"It's, like, fast food."

"Yeah, alright! The fuzzy likes this!"

"Sounds good." Scott offered.

"Yay! This is my favorite dish!" Mitsuko exclaimed. The adults stayed quiet as Kai put the main course onto the heated surface. Her eyes were full of determination as she quickly copped the mean up into pieces. She poured some more oils over it, making the fire shoot up once more, and then she set the hamburger meat on the other side.

Then, while that was cooking, Kai set out things for the hamburger and chicken, which included dressing, ketchup, mustard, onions, lettuce, hamburger buns, salt, pepper, and other assorted spices and such.

Finally, after about five minutes of cooking it was over with and the meat was nestled on everyone's plates. Kai took her seat by Touma after making sure she turned off the heating surface.

Kurt, not too surprisingly was the first to taste.

"Well, like, how was it?" Kitty asked.

"Shame on you, you'll have to try it first!" Kurt said, shaking his finger with a grin.

"Chew your food, elf." Kurt made a mock solute and swallowed.

Soon everyone was eating and Mitsuko was praising the cooking like no tomorrow, making Kai blush like a tomato.

"Aww look, she's blushing." Mitsuko teased. Kai blushed even more.

"There is nothing to be embarrassed about, it's rather good." Jean smiled, elbowing Scott when he didn't say anything.

"Um yeah," he smiled and jean glared at him mildly.

-Thank you very Much, everyone.-

"It's us who should be thank you for such a delightful meal." Hank smiled and Kai dipped her head, if possible, blushing more.

-I'll go ahead and start on the dishes, just go ahead and bring them to the kitchen when your finished, o.k.?- Without waiting for an answer she quickly gathered up the already soiled and unusable plates, balancing them with a smile as she headed into the kitchen to clean up.

Touma looked after her with saddened eyes.

'Do you still fear people that much, Kai?' he thought.

TBC

A.N. What do y'all think? I know Rogue isn't usually this quiet, the characters may be a bit off, but I'm working on it!