Making Our Way to Safety

Why was the world so cruel? What have we ever done to them? These were the types of questions that ran through my head as I stood in line of the store. In my masked consisted of a few snacks, water, and some over the counter meds. The trip from North Carolina had been a long and dangerous one. I had to do a lot just to get her in Pennsylvania! Even now I was far from the Charles Xavier institute where I knew that I would be safe from the froms of hatred and ignoance.

"Well that be all?" The cashier asked me as I finally came to the counter. I have her a single nod, watching her as she rang up the items in my basket. Looking up, I watched as a riot against Mutant equality raged, turning over buses, chasing down those who had obvious different physical qualities. One had a red skin with flaming hair, resembling a demon of some sort.

"Poor girl..." I whispered to myself before turning my attention back to the lady who had now looked at me strangly.

"Are you one of them?" She asked, her whol facial expression changing.

My heart skipped a beat as I knew I made a mistake. "I'll just go now.." I placed my money on the countertop an grabbed my bags, heading out the store.

I walked back to Jia Li with the paper bags in my hand. "Hey, sorry I took so long." I stated in a rushed tone, stuffing my change into my back packet. "Also we should probably get out of here, now" I added, looking her over. It had been an ready long day for the both of them. Several things had transpired in the past six hours of them being in Pittsburgh and- it was just bad, let's leave it like that.

"Oh! And I got you some of your favorites."I started walking while digging my hand through the bag of food, taking out a pack of gum and handing it to her. "Where is our next check point?"

I chuckled and watched as she opened up the bag, basically tearing them. "That's good to know, FerroK."That's the nickname I decided to give Jia Li sense her powers centered around controlling metals and stuff of that nature. After I finished hugging her and tucked the paper bag under my arm, rubbing my nose. "I think we should go." I nudged her shoulder playfully before hearing a gun go off. Instinctively, I moved in front of Jia Li, putting my arm over her side. My eyes focused on the direction where the noise came from like a dog on watch.

"We need to get out of this place.." I warned in a whisper. To be honest, I knew that she could protect herself, but while I was going to be with her, that was gonna be my job. I heard another one then two men running toward use, I knew that we were in danger. Raising my hand, I formed three flowers that shot darts.

I felt the tug on my arm by Jia Li, but didn't move. Well that this until I saw a rifle in one of the guy's hand. I cursed, grabbing her hand and running off down the street. In the city I felt so helpless because there was little or no greenery to control. This was more for Jia Li than it was for me.

"Come on!" I rushed, not really out of anger, but out of fear. There was no way in hell that I was going to let happen to her; not on my watch. After a while, I slowed down, panting. "I think we're good for now." I announced breathlessly.

I blinked my eyes, touching the top of my head. "I'm sorry. I just- I can't keep running and running from them. It's not fair to me or you." I exclaimed, pacing to help calm down my breathing. It was true, I am sick of running and not being able to defend myself against the it ignorance of mankind.

Looking over at Jia Li, I pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm sorry I scared you." I whispered in her ear before letting go of her.

"Okay, I won't. Ever again." I nudged her shoulder back laughing. "We can catch a bus or something to go the rest of the way..." I said in thought, tapping my chin. "Or we could just jack one. "I added with a small smirk, stuffing my hands into my pockets. It was getting dark and the city wasn't the safest place turning that time, mutant or not.

"It's up to you." I exhaled, walking over to a building to lean up against it.

I rolled my eyes playfully before crossing my arms. "I didn't mean jack a bus, I meant for us to jack a car." I corrected with a slight teasing manner. Sighing, I uncrossed my arms and put one around Jia Li. "But I guess we can do it the boring way." I laughed a bit and kissed he top of her head. I began walking, stuff my other hand in my pocket.

Soon we were near the bus station. "We still have one dilemma. We are both broke; or at least I am."