Chapter 43 - First day of school [1]

On the day following the simulated combat between Prime and Sara against Jean, Monday arrived. According to Xavier, this would be Sara's first day of school. All necessary materials had already been bought by Prime, who was making a good amount of money.

So, when Sara woke up, she got ready for school. After brushing her teeth, she had a quick breakfast in her room, since she needed to consume almost twice as much as a normal person, thanks to Prime. Once finished, she headed to the cafeteria, where she would meet Jean, Kitty, Kurt, and Scott. They were also going to the same school as her and had offered to take her there.

Sara and Prime didn't have much information about the school, only its name: Midtown School of Science and Technology. Although it was evident that it was a quite specialized institution, which made Sara a bit insecure. However, Prime assured her that she would do fine. And his words weren't just empty; he genuinely believed it.

Prime observed that Sara's brain waves were remarkably developed, which meant she could absorb knowledge much more easily than most people. However, Prime wasn't sure why that was the case, as he hadn't done anything directly to alter Sara's mental capabilities.

Upon entering the cafeteria, Sara was warmly greeted by some mutants before joining the line. Scott, Jean, Kitty, and Kurt were already sitting, engaged in lively conversation. Sara couldn't help but notice that they were quite popular within the mansion. Some kids even seemed to aspire to become like them.

(These four seem popular as always) Prime commented in Sara's mind.

"Yeah, they are. They're cool, quite outgoing" Sara replied indifferently.

Hearing this, Prime considered it the ideal time to address a curiosity that had intrigued him since yesterday when he witnessed Scott and Jean's powers.

(Can you join them? I want to ask Scott and Jean something) Prime asked mentally to Sara.

Hearing Prime's words, Sara raised an eyebrow, surprised. It was the first time he had expressed interest in talking to someone other than her. Usually, Prime showed indifference to anything that didn't involve Sara. However, as it was her great friend's first request, Sara saw no reason to refuse.

"Sure" she said.

With that, Sara finished getting her breakfast and began to make her way to the group's table. As she approached, the first to notice Sara were Jean and Kitty, who waved in a friendly manner.

"Hey, can I sit with you guys?" Sara asked as she approached the group's table, addressing Scott and Jean. "Prime wants to ask you two something"

Hearing Sara's words, Scott and Jean felt confused. They had no idea what Prime could want with both of them since they hardly ever talked. Although both were starting to think that talking to Sara was the same as talking to Prime.

"Sure, feel free" Jean replied promptly.

With that, Sara settled in and soon began to enjoy her breakfast, while the quartet watched her closely.

"... Scott, Prime is curious about how your power works. He found it quite interesting and wants to understand it better" Sara said, addressing Scott.

Although initially confused, Scott simply nodded, not seeing much problem in the question.

"Well, there's nothing really you haven't already seen; I basically can shoot energy beams from my eyes" Scott explained.

Understanding Scott's words, Prime pondered that it was just something he already knew. Although he was interested in replicating such abilities, Prime knew he would have to alter Sara's body to store the necessary energy to use them. However, he easily dismissed that idea for now.

"But why are you asking me this?" Scott asked, raising an eyebrow in doubt.

"Uh, Prime mentioned he was interested in trying to replicate your powers, but apparently, it would be difficult to achieve at the moment" Sara replied.

Scott was visibly surprised to hear that. The prospect of Prime replicating his powers was impressive and also a bit scary. If he could replicate several powers, that would make him exceptionally powerful. Although it was a fascinating idea, Scott recognized that it was also somewhat frightening.

"Anyway, and you, Jean? Do you have anything else to add about your powers?" Sara asked, turning her gaze to Jean, who had been watching the conversation between Sara and Scott.

Jean pondered for a few moments on how to respond to Sara's question. Besides what she had already seen during training, Jean realized there was little more to show about her powers. Moreover, explaining her powers was a challenge since they were inherent to her since birth.

"I'm not sure how to explain my powers" Jean began, with a sad expression on her face. "Apart from telekinetic control, I can read minds. I'm sorry I can't offer a clearer explanation" she added.

"That's okay, Prime also said for you not to worry, as your powers seem to be quite special. He probably wouldn't be able to replicate them in the same way as yours" Sara replied as she finished her breakfast.

With all the chatter done, the group finished breakfast and soon found themselves inside a bus headed for school. Sara had earphones in, lost in the scenery passing by the window. Kitty, Jean, Scott, and Kurt occupied other seats, respecting Sara's silence, who seemed uninterested in conversation, and they didn't want to disturb her.

A little while later, the bus finally stopped. As she stepped out, Sara couldn't help but sigh. The school was a massive building, so imposing that Sara could barely imagine its exact size. More than a school, it seemed more like a university.

(This school is impressive, that rich bald guy doesn't mess around) remarked Prime, amazed.

Just nodding, Sara began to move among the various students chatting animatedly. They were ordinary dialogues, the kind Sara thought she'd never hear again. The idea of being back at school was something she never imagined would happen.

Arriving at the school entrance, Sara was met with bustling corridors, characteristic of moments before classes begin, something she had only ever heard about. With a smirk, Sara walked down the hallway, searching for her locker. In her hand, she held a small paper with the locker number she was supposed to find.

"This must be mine" exclaimed Sara as she arrived at her locker.

Without hesitation, Sara opened the locker and grabbed the books she would need for the day. She also took the opportunity to store her backpack there, as she wouldn't need it for now.

"Ned, I've already told you no"

While lost in her thoughts, a sudden voice interrupted Sara's reverie. She turned around and saw two boys approaching, apparently their lockers were next to hers.

(Looks like our lockers are neighbors) thought Sara, watching the two boys approach.

"But why not?" asked the chubby boy.

"I've already told you why, it's a secret" replied the other boy.

"Okay, but does anyone else besides me know?" the chubby boy asked again.

"No, just you"

Sara wasn't sure what the two were talking about, but even though it seemed important, she wasn't so curious as to try to find out.

"Peter, look" exclaimed the chubby boy, pointing at Sara.

It seemed the two had finally noticed her.

"Ehh... did you hear?" asked the chubby boy's friend.

"Hear what?" asked Sara.

Understanding the situation, the boy let out a sigh of relief, as if he had been reassured about something. Then he seemed to remember something and promptly introduced himself to Sara, as well as his friend.

"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Peter Parker, but you can just call me Peter" he said, extending his hand for a handshake.

Sara accepted the gesture without hesitation, but the moment their hands touched, a strange sensation ran through both of them, like a slight electric shock. Though confused, Peter was the first to compose himself.

"This is my friend, Ned Leeds. By the way, I've never seen you around here before. Are you new to the school?"

Sara nodded with a simple nod, realizing there wasn't much to say at that moment. Although the previous incident was still fresh in her mind, she chose to ignore it for now. However, Prime experienced a similar sensation, albeit on a deeper and more intense level.

(This boy isn't normal) Prime thought to himself. (His DNA seems more like that of a spider than that of a human)

And it was exactly at that moment that the sound of the bell echoed, signaling the start of classes and causing the students to slowly disperse. This was also the indication for Sara and the two boys that it was time to make their way to their classrooms.