3
Hours later , I woke. It must have been at least 10 hours, cause it was dark out.
Slowly, very slowly, I opened my eyes. At first everything was fuzzy and unclear but my mind adjusted itself and the shapes became objects.
And unfortunately the first thing I saw was the man in the wheelchair. I yelped and pulled myself back.
This wasn't very good because one of the lamps beside the bed exploded. I had to clear my mind! I had to concentrate on darkness. I closed my eyes and hummed slowly repeating, Calm, calm, be calm.
The man in the wheelchair said, That is quite an entriguing power you have there.
I opened my eyes. There were others in the room. An african lady, a man who looked a bit vicious, Scott, Jean, and Kurt.
I started but faltered. I did not know if I could speak now. Places before had hurt me when I spoke without asking. I glanced sideways at Kurt. He nodded and I continued. Dove sono? I asked.
When they did not understand I tried again, this time in German instad of Italiano. Wo bin ich?
Kurt obviously understood. He said, Haben Sie nicht Angst. Sie gehören zu Freunden.
It means Do not be afraid! You are among friends. I nodded and got up my courage.
Where am I?
It that what you were saying? The scary man asked.
I did not know what to say. I explained.
You are at the Xavier Institute for Gifted Teenagers. the man in the wheelchair said, I am Professor Charles Xavier.
Nice to meet you, my name is Kole. I thought about it for a second then said, Er...Kole Moore, that is.
Kole is an unusual name, The scary man said, My name is Logan.
I shook his hand as well and said, Kole is an ancroynym for my real name, Kaori Otylia Lana Electra.
Nice to meet you Kole, The lady said, My name is unusual as well. I am Ororo.
How did I get here? I just couldn't stop myself from asking, I just needed to know.
After you caught the mutant hunter, you fainted and Kurt brought you back here.
I rubbed my forehead and I felt something missing.
My headband! You took off my headband! I dove under the blankets and asked, Why did you do that?
We needed to make sure you were okay! Ororo answered gently, Now come out, there is no need to be afraid.
I started.
It's okay. Ororo's gentle voice came again, We already know.
I peeked out. You...you know? How?
We kind of already noticed. Scott said, If you don't mind us saying, but its kind of hard to miss...
I said with a sigh. By tomorrow everyone in town will know I am a purple rosy monster! You were only being nice cause of your
Mission? No, we would never tell anyone, in fact, we want to help you. Jean said softly.
Help me? I said bitterly, No one can help a monster.
You're not a monster. Kurt said, he said brightly, You're just like me.
What do you mean? How can I be like you? You're not purple and things don't explode when you touch them!
Er..um...I'll show you..but just don't tell anyone, okay?
I won't if you won't.
Kurt pressed a button on his watch and his skin turned blue.
Whoa! You're blue!
Ja, and fuzzy too.
That is so cool! You are just like me--with the exception of the blowing things up...
You don't think its wierd? Kurt seemed a bit shocked and I was surprised by it.
Why should I? I mean I am purple and you're blue, what's weird??
Nothing surprises me anymore. I said flatly.
You've seen alot?' Jean asked.
More then I ever wanted to. And the worst part of it is the one thing I want the most I probably will never see.
What's that? Scott asked.
I looked at my feet, Well...er..you see,
Scott interjected, You don't have to say it if you don't want to.
No. It's okay. That one thing is my mother. I don't remember anything about her at all...... My voice trailed off and I could say no more.
Well, Kole. If you stay here at the institute and train, we will help you find your mother. Professor Xavier said.
If I don't stay and train, will you throw me back on the street? I inquired, fearing the worst.
We never do anything like that. Now I believe you need some rest. Come on, let's go.
They turned to head out of the room.
Err.. Kurt?
Ja, Kole?
No problem.
I flopped back down on my pillow and stared up at the ceiling.