Through Hellfire and Back,

Part 6

Disclaimer: X-men Evolution is the property of Marvel and Kids WB. All the characters in this story are the property of Marvel, although some have been slightly Evolution-fied for this story. Hey, they changed Todd and Lance anyway, what's one or two more?

Enjoy!

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"Kitty-kat, hurry up! We is going to be late for class!" A slim girl with long, curly lavender locks and a black tie tapped her foot impatiently on the ground, waiting for her friend to get moving.

"Don't worry, we'll be fine." Kitty shook her head and closed her locker with a clank, her American literature books well in hand. "Besides, you know Randolph, he never starts his lectures on time."

"No, but he take seat count right away for sure!" Sharron huffed, as the two freshman started down the halls. "And besides, we no get seats right away, there no guarantee we sit beside each other." Her face lost it's stiffness in a light chuckle. "Then how we going to stay awake while he talk about Edgar Allen Poe?"

Kitty laughed. "Okay, you've got me there. Let's get the lead out." Dashing through the halls as fast as school regulations would allow, the two girls turned corner after corner, hoping to make it in time to catch a pair of seats together, preferably in the back or near the window. Watching the occasional athletic team workout was far more enjoyable then listening to the crackling voice of a mid-forties professor, as he strangled the great works of American literature. Her new friend shared the opinion.

Friend, it felt so nice to be able to call someone that, Kitty mused. While it seemed to take forever, at two months into the Academy, Kitty Pryde was finally starting to get to know some of the student body. Even if she did it one person at a time.

Sharron Porter was a fellow freshman, one Kitty had literally bumped into getting out of class, books flying to the floor in a total mess. Together they had bent down to pick everything up, each starting to apologize at the same time as they sorted through math books and history papers. The lunch bell rang, their stomachs started to growl, and Kitty found herself at a golden opportunity. Her so-called 'guide' having split from her over a week ago, Kitty had found herself becoming more and more desperate for human companionship; having bumped into someone seemed like a perfect opportunity, not to go to waste. Taking the initiative, she asked the other girl her name, and followed through by inviting her to join her for lunch.

She was glad she had asked.

At first Sharron had seemed really shy, like a wild animal that would flee at a moment's notice. Eventually however, she started warming up to Kitty, and it wasn't long until the two girls found themselves renting a few memorable videos while splitting bucket after of Bryer's and Hogen Doss. Sharron wasn't a vegetarian like Kitty, but she did have a terrible weak spot for creamy things. Her love for milk could easily rival Evan's, although her love for roast chicken could rival Logan.

However, what really stood out, aside from her unusually dyed hair color, was her speech. Sharron claimed that she had been sent by her family in Holland to study in America, and thus, had been unable to speak a word of English when she had arrived. All Kitty knew for certain was that the girl spoke constantly in third person, and almost never called anyone by their 'real' name. It was always 'nice teacher' or 'basketball boy'. In many ways she reminded Kitty of her favorite character from one of the Japanese manga's. Purple hair, unique speech pattern...all she needed was a pair of bonberi and the ability to transform into a soft, cuddly creature.

Kitty shook her head at that thought; no, that would be too unreal.

For now, she was simply grateful the girl existed, and that once in a while they could have lunch together.

A regretful sigh escaped Kitty's lips. To bad it couldn't have been all the time.

While Sharron was perfectly entitled to have other friends, particularly when they had known her longer, her 'friends' couldn't care less about Kitty. A few were civil, some more so then other, but overall Kitty got the feeling she wasn't part of their little group, and it would be some time before she ever was. Which meant until she met someone else, Kitty was stuck eating, walking and sitting in class alone, without anyone else to talk to.

Completely the opposite at the institute, where one couldn't help but bump into someone they knew.

"Miss Pryde?"

Kitty's stopped in her tracks as Ms. Frost's personal secretary approached her. Sharron also stopped and turned, but was waved off to get back to class. The freshman nodded, first to the secretary, then to Kitty, before heading into Rodezski's class. The secretary returned her attention to Kitty, and vice-versa.

"Ms. Frost sent me, Miss Pryde. She's like to see you in her office. Now." There was a slight edge in her voice, and Kitty gulped, feeling very much like the cat caught eating a canary. Although she was certain she'd never done anything wrong, one never could tell in a new school. If Ms. Frost wanted Kitty in her office, the former Shadowcat doubted it'd be good news.

Kitty attempted a nervous smile.

"I'm on my way."