15

The jet ride was fast, and the group was soon back at the institute. After relating her tale to the Professor, and seeing that Aiden was given a guest room, Aira's long day would finally come to an end.
She flopped down onto her bed and fell into a deep sleep. Her dreams were of mummies, mysteries and Mystique.
Aira awoke the next morning and began to contemplate the thoughts of the days before. She especially thought about Mystique, and how she had helped her.
Going over to her desk, she removed a box of notecards and jotted down a little note, then put it in an envelope.
KNOCK KNOCK
 Aira jumped, the sound had scared her, then she realized that someone was knocking on the door. Hastily, she commanded the note to bring itself to the mailbox and then she answered the door.
Hi Aiden, whats up?
Can I come in?
Aira stepped back and let the brown haired boy in, Is somethin' wrong? She asked worriedly.
Oh! No! Not at all! Aiden smiled nervously, I just, I wanted, that is, I, wanted to ask you a question.
That's a relief! I was worried! Aira grinned, oblivious to the fact that he was the one that was worried.
Um...I wanted to ask you about the institute and why you decided to join.
Aira's face grew glum. She looked at her feet, thought for a second and replied. In other words, you want to know if you should join?
I guess so...
I...really can't answer that question for you. Its a decision that you have to make for your own reasons. I was indebted to the Professor, so I joined. There a plenty of reasons to join, but I can do little more then point them out. she put her hand on his shoulder. The boy looked rather confused and sad, You could always call your parents and ask them about it.
I haven't seen my parents in six years since I was apprenticed.
Oh! I'm so...sorry... Aira said, blushing at her mistake.
Thats okay, I'm used to it. Aiden headed to the door, Thanks for the advice. And then he left.
Aira followed him out the door, then proceeded to go downstairs to have breakfast, which consisted of Jean's famous chocolate chip pancakes.
Everyone was discussing their trips as Aira sat quietly eating her pancakes.
I just can't believe nearly everyone in Tokyo spoke English!
Yes, and they had the lingo down pat as well!
Hey! At least you guys didn't have to deal with Rahne!

I was just kidding!!!
She laughed with the others and left the table. After all those days of being trapped and alone, she was in the place she loved the most. But why didn't she feel better? Maybe it was because Imhotep had never accomplished his task of using her to remove the manacle or maybe one always felt this way after having her life threatend.
The very thought made her sick to the stoumach. She knew what was so wrong about this - from the way things looked, Imhotep wasn't going to give up easily at all.
I wonder... but before she could do any more thinking, the professor sent a telepathic message to her head.
Aira. Please come down to the Danger room as soon as possible.
Doing her best to comply, she immeadiatly headed to the elevator.

~*~*~

Ten minutes later, Aira discovered why the professor had summoned her.
You see, Ms. McCarthy, we were up all night long, discussing what to do about the manacle and your powers, The professor explained, and we have finally come to a decision, providing that you agree with it.
She nodded, all she could possibly want was for this to be over with.
The decision was that you control the manacle and make it release itself from Alex's wrist. Then we would put it in a safe, that you would order to remain shut for eternity. Evy explained, with a worried look in her eyes, If you don't think you are up to it...
I'm fine. Aira broke in, I'll do it, but not today.


Then its set.
Aira left the room. She stopped outside the door and stared into space. Tommorow.
Its time to train.