Dressed in her new clothes, hair fixed into a braid and wound around the crown of her head like a headband, Zira walked down to the main dining area. The rest of the students, in uniforms ranging from the pale cream she wore to crimson, to dark blue like Stephen, were all gathered, eating. Most of them didn't even notice her as she walked in. A few gave her a cursory glance, but for the most part, she was just another student that joined them.

She got her food and found a secluded part of the hall to sit and eat, choosing not to interact with anyone just yet. Instead, her silver eyes surveyed the room, examining the people gathered before her.

They seemed to come from almost every country in the world, and from multiple walks of life. She heard so many languages, and the few that were in English were talking about their studies. In reality, it was probably something like college.

Stephen joining her brought her back to reality.

"Taking in the sights?" he asked, popping a piece of fruit into his mouth.

"I'd say it's a culture shock, but we had so many different people at Xavier's that it doesn't really seem strange to me," Zira answered.

"Glad to hear that," Stephen commented. "So, if you haven't guessed by now, different colors mean different ranks."

"So my padawan comment wasn't far off?" she asked, taking a bite of the meat she had been given. It was chicken, and surprisingly good.

"Right on the money, really," he replied. "As you advance, you'll change your uniform until you can wear what you like."

"Huh," she grunted. "Sounds simple enough."

"You'll study with other masters here first, and then you'll study privately with me when your teachers think you're ready," he continued. That gave Zira pause.

"Wait," she said. "I thought you were gonna be my teacher."

"You're brand new at this, Zira," Stephen said. "And from what Charles said, you don't have control over your abilities. Teaching control is not something I'm good at, and they can teach you things I can't." Zira stared at him.

"There are things the great Stephen Strange doesn't know?" she said in a mocking tone. He responded with a crooked grin.

"You're not going to let that go, are you?"

"Not any time soon," she replied. "You showed me the worst side of you and I haven't seen much since. Just saying sorry doesn't make up for a lifetime of grief." Stephen opened his mouth to retort, but a gleam in her eyes shut him up. Admittedly, she did have a point.

"I'll leave you to your dinner," he said, and got up. When he was gone, Zira resumed her scanning of the hall. She could pinpoint some cultures, but others were a mystery. There was a wealth of knowledge to be had here, not just magical. She never would have found this many cultures in one place in West Chester. She hardly ever went outside of the academy anyway. Remembering her previous home created a pang of longing in her chest. I wonder what the others are doing right now? she wondered as she continued to eat.

"May I join you?" a low female voice asked. Zira was broken from her thoughts as her silver eyes met warm, dark brown ones. A dark-skinned girl who looked to be about Ziras age stood there, wearing a crimson, long-sleeved uniform with a matching hijab.

"Sure," Zira managed to get out, motioning to a seat next to her.

"You are the new student that Master Strange brought, yes?" the girl asked as she sat down. "Welcome to Kamar Taj."

"Thank you. I'm Zira Moran," Zira replied, introducing herself.

"Isioma Bello. It's a pleasure," the girl said, nodding. "Where are you from, Zira?"

"New York City," she answered. "You?"

"Kebbi, Nigeria," Isioma said. Ziras silver eyes widened. "I take it you've never met a Nigerian before?"

"No," she replied. "I mean, I had a teacher that was half Kenyan, and another who was Russian, but that was about it."

"Well, you will certainly see the world here," Isioma laughed. "The rumor is that you came from a school for mutants. Does this mean…?"

"I'm not a mutant, no," Zira replied, sadly. "I had an incident when I was younger that made people think I was, so they sent me to Professor Xavier. He tried to help me, but after a genetics screening, we discovered that I am, for all intents and purposes, human. The Professor and Dr. Strange think this means I am a sorcerer. I'm still not sure."

"You have many questions, I take it?"

"None that I'm ready to ask, yet."

The young Nigerian nodded her understanding. "If you are ever in need of some help, I would be happy to assist." Zira looked at her. Her warm brown eyes were glistening with kindness and knowledge. In the evening sun shining through the windows, her ebony skin was almost glowing. The silver-haired girl couldn't help but grin.

"Thanks, Isioma. I might just have to take you up on that."

XXXXXXXXX

Once Zira was back in her room, she decided to call up the team and let them know she had made it. She pulled out the communicator Josh had given her and sent a signal. She got an answer back almost immediately.

"Zira?" It was Josh.

"Hey," she replied.

"Hop on your laptop, I'll set up a visual," he said, and ended the call. Zira grabbed her computer and got online. The connection was great, and in no time, she was on with the Alpha squad.

"Zira! You made it!" Sara said, her eyes sparking as she saw her friend.

"Yep," Zira replied. "I'm in Kathmandu of all places."

"How did you get there so fast?" Jay asked, his curly hair almost filling the screen.

"Apparently, they have the ability to make a portal to anywhere in the world," she replied. "We took a portal to a place in Greenwich Village, but the place we went to had a door to this place in Kathmandu. This seems to be the main school of sorts."

"Did you learn anything yet? Anything cool?" May asked.

"Not yet," Zira said. "It's only been a few hours."

"Good point," May nodded. "But is it at least cool looking?"

"See for yourself." Zira picked up the laptop and gave them a panoramic view of her room. There was silence as they observed where she was.

"It's definitely simple," Sam said, his eyes sparking like his twins.

"It's got what I need," she replied. "I even get to look like a Jedi." She stepped back to show off her cream uniform. She heard May start laughing.

"Well damn," Josh said. "That's fun."

"I know it's only been a few hours, but I really miss you guys," Zira said quietly. "I've made a friend, but it's hard to replace old friends."

"Hey, we miss you too," Josh said. "But this is a chance for you to get what you need, right? Help?"

"I'm just hoping I actually get some answers rather than more questions," she replied. "I'm tired of being uncertain about who, or what, I am."

"If you need an answer to who, you're our sister, friend, and teammate," Josh said. The rest of the team got in the picture and nodded their agreement. Zira smiled, her silver eyes starting to tear up.

"Thanks guys," she said.