As Dani awoke to a new day, she had to admit that her trip back to her dorm was a success. She felt renewed, both physically and emotionally, her batteries recharged as it were. And Dani felt more prepared than ever to go out and help her best friend reclaim her life now. Dani crawled out of bed and stretched a little. She looked out the window and could see from the position of the sun that it was just before noon.

“Man, I slept way to long.” She thought to herself. Dani hurriedly changed out of the clothes she had been sleeping in and jumped into the shower. She washed off as quickly as she could, like she had been doing for over the last week, dressed as fast as she could and made a beeline to the medi-lab. Despite her newfound (relative) calm, Dani still didn’t want to spend any more time away from Rahne than she had to.

“Thank god Jean was with Rahne yesterday. I know I needed to cool down, but I don’t think Rahne needs to be alone right now.” Dani thought as she hurried to the medi lab. She checked out the room Rahne had been staying in and found it empty. She was actually relieved that they had finally moved Rahne out of the medi-lab. Dani could sense how uncomfortable Rahne was there, but didn’t really know what to do about it before they suggested Rahne move in with Jean. After all, Rahne seemed to hate a crowd now more than ever now, so moving her into a room upstairs in the mansion wasn’t an option. Dani searched the lower levels for a few minutes before she found Rahne. She was sitting on an examination table, finishing up a check up with Cecelia. Dani noted that Rahne was wearing what appeared to be some old clothes that Jean had given her.

“…The scars on your back are completely gone now, but I’m afraid that the rest of your body has healed as much as it’s going to.” Cecelia explained, “On a high note, your body has responded pretty well to therapy and you’ve gotten use to using the crutches quickly…”

“I’m a survivor, it seems.” Rahne said miserably, “Are…are ye sure that muh legs won’t heal anymore? Or what aboot a transplant t’ replace the damaged muscle? Mum use t’ tell me aboot all the new techniques they’ve been devolpin’… ”

“I’m afraid that the damage to the cartilage and muscle was simply too extensive in your knee ligaments and went untreated for too long, Rahne. And I don’t think that you body wouldn’t accept a cartridge transplant due to your…unique physiology. I’m sorry.”

“What about her wolf form?” Dani asked as she entered the room, “It’s far stronger than her normal form, how was it affected?”

“It’s hard to say, really. But there’s one way to find out. Rahne, are you strong enough now to transform?” the doctor asked, “According to Hank, your transformation won’t do any permanent damage to your body now.”

“Aye. Muh powers feel like they’re back now.” Rahne said. She closed her eyes and concentrated, ‘calling’ forth her change form. Normally, it felt like warm water flowing over and out of her body, not the least bit uncomfortable. Now, it felt like her muscles were on fire and trying to tear out of her body. Rahne still continued to transform, willing her wolf form forward and ignoring the pain. She had grown accustomed too far worse, after all. When she was done, Rahne took a moment to catch her breath and let her swimming vision clear. Dani felt Rahne’s painful transformation thru the psi-link they shared, but she deliberately didn’t show it, as she didn’t want to upset Rahne more. Rahne herself was very surprised at what had happened, her transformations had never once been that painful before.

“How do you feel?” Cecelia asked carefully.

“Weak.” Rahne said, her eyes watering and voice wavering. Despite her initial fear of her change form, Rahne had grown to love the increased strength, speed and agility that accompanied it. But she could feel that it was all gone now, her enhanced senses were the only thing left undamaged. She stepped down from the examination table and carefully walked across the room to test her strength, or in this case, her lack thereof. She could walk, but she looked like a newborn babe discovering how for the first time.

“It feels a lot… weaker now.” Rahne said. She was completely transformed into her wolf form, but she didn’t feel much of the strength that had once been there, “But at least ah ken walk… unassisted better.”

Rahne tried so hard not to think about the fact that the only way she could walk like a normal person now was as a human werewolf. Thru the psi-link she shared with Dani, Rahne suddenly felt a sudden wave of shock and hatred coming from Dani. She could also sense Dani’s heart rate jump and her body temperature rise.

Dani, what’s wrong? Rahne asked over the special psi link they shared

Your…nothing, it’s nothing. Dani nervously replied. Rahne looked at Dani and she traced her eyes, and discovered what Dani was so shocked about.

“Muh…tail’s gone.” Rahne felt sick to her stomach as she said that. Her transformation into her wolf form was accompanied by the growth a short, one-foot long tail. And it was no longer there. Her tail wasn’t something that was in anyway useful, but it was still a part of her body that Rahne would never have surrendered. Another part of her body that those butchers had taken from her forever.

“I was thinking last night, Rahne. We need to get you some clothes, so why don’t we go into town, get you some clothes, maybe catch a movie and dinner?” Dani suggested, trying to cheer Rahne up. It wasn’t like things could get worse…

“I’d rather not…” Rahne said, “I don’ have any money…I mean.”

“I talked to the professor last night before I went to bed, and he loaned me his credit card. Money’s not a problem, Rahne.”

“I cannae jus’ take his money, Dani, after everythin’ he’s down fer me!” Rahne protested.

“He volunteered it, Rahne. Look, I know you want to, but you can’t just hide here in the mansion for the rest of your life. You need to get out some, and it’s a beautiful day.”

“F’r shoppin’.”

“Yep.”

“I…need some shoes, then.” Rahne sighed.

“Don’t worry about that, Rahne, I have that covered as well. You can just use an old pair of mine. I’ll go grab them, and we’ll be on our way.”

“If I could have a moment with you in private, Dani, I may be able to speed you on your way faster.” A voice telepathically commented.

“I told you already Frost, Rahne doesn’t want, or need, your help.” Dani spat back.

“And I accept that, for the most part. Just meet me at cerebro for a moment, and I won’t bother you again.” Frost calmly replied telepathically

“I’m going to hold you to that, Frost.”

Dani excused herself and went to meet Frost.

“God only knows what that woman wants now.” Dani thought angrily to herself. Despite the fact that the other X-Men vouched for Frost, Dani couldn’t bring herself to trust the woman. It wasn’t just the fact that Frost had kidnapped and attempted to brainwash the New Mutants the first time they met her. It was mainly the fact that the second time Frost made a bid for control of the New Mutants, she took advantage of them after they were traumatized following a battle with a being calling itself the Beyonder. That Frost would take advantage of them, including Rahne, in such a vulnerable state infuriated Dani like nothing else. After that, Dani vowed to never let Frost get her hands on another New Mutants, ever again. When she opened the door to cerebro, Frost didn’t even acknowledge her entrance. It was her personal way of saying ‘screw you’, even when she was offering help.

“What do you want?” Dani asked, “I’m not in the mood for small talk right now, especially with you.”

“So then I won’t waste a moment of your time.” Frost said. She stood up, walked towards Dani and handed her a shopping bag.

“What’s this?”

“It’s clothes for Rahne to wear when you take her out today. There’s a sweater, bra, underwear, jeans, socks and a pair of shoes, all her size. There is also a handi-cap parking sticker in there, as well.”

“When did...”

“I had them bought for Rahne after I found what happened to her. It’s better than having her go out in public with old hand me downs of a woman who is twice her size, don’t you think?”

“I...guess so. Thank you, Emma.” Dani said, swallowing her pride with considerable effort, “ Thank you very much. I’m sure Rahne with appreciate it.”

“She doesn’t have to know that’s it’s from me, if you like.”

“With due respect, why are you helping me?” Dani ask suspiciously

“I’m not. I’m helping Rahne. I know you don’t believe me, Dani, but people do change. When the Hellions were killed, I reexamined my goals and have dedicated myself to helping young mutants thrive in this world. Something I failed to do with the Hellions.” She explained evenly.

“Well, thanks. I sure Rahne will be glad to have something to wear other than some old hand me downs.” Dani said. She left, not sure what to make of Frost now. But she was glad that Rahne had some good cloths to wear all the same.

“That was awfully nice of her tae do f’r me.” Rahne commented over the psi-link she shared with Dani while she was in her wolf form.

“With Frost I’m sure somehow, someway, that’s it’s enlightened self-interest. But now you can be seen in public now.” Dani said dismissively as she returned to Rahne. Dani helped Rahne get change into the cloths Frost had given her and then said, “I’ll grab an image inducer, and we’ll be on our way, Rahne.”

“No.” Rahne said forcefully.

“What? Why?” Dani asked, “You’ll be able to walk in your wolf form, after all.”

“I’m Rahne Sinclair, Dani, nae Wolfsbane. I’m nae goin’ t’ live muh life as a wolf girl. I did that once, an’ I hated it.” Rahne said as she took her crutches, “I’m not goin’ tae hide what I am, even if what I am is crippled. I just have tae learn tae make do, is all.”

After they left, Cecelia started to go over the medical charts of some of the more unusual mutant students. Their physiology was very different from 99% of the patients Cecelia treated, and she didn’t want to be caught flat-footed if something went wrong.

“What I wouldn’t give for a one size fits all medical treatment.” She thought to herself.

“You didn’t tell her, did you?”

Cecelia turned around and saw Emma Frost standing in the door way with her hands on her hips and in her normal ‘holier than thou’ pose, “ Why didn’t you tell Rahne? It’s been enough time, I should think.”

“Tell her what?”

“Don’t play stupid, Ms. Reyes, it’s quite unbecoming for a doctor. You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

“How did you know? Only Jean, me and Hank knew about that!” Cecelia asked incredulously

“Because last time I checked, I wasn’t stupid.” Emma chided, “I read the report on what was done to her, how they tortured her, and put two and two together. I know what you left out. I’ll ask again, why didn’t you tell her? You don’t have to be a cultural expert to realize how important it is to her.”

“Because I don’t think she can handle the news just yet, okay? Forgive me if I want to spare that poor kid some pain!” Cecelia snapped

“You’ll have to tell her sooner or later, and it’s not news that will get better with age.” Emma stated, with a trace of sadness

“Don’t you think I know that? Just give me some time, okay? It’s not every day I have to tell someone they lost their future!”

“Come on Rahne, smile! You’re about to go shopping with an unlimited credit card! That’s most women’s dream!”

Rahne didn’t respond. She just ran her hand over her stomach slowly, lost in thought. Unknown to everyone but herself, her wolf form gave her an enhanced feel for her body. Rahne could even feel the pins in her arms that were used to set her bones while in her wolf form, she could feel the areas where the tendons and cartilage in her legs had been damaged and finally, when she transformed into wolf form, her stomach area felt rather odd. Rahne couldn’t place her finger on it, but it never felt like that before.

“Rahne? You there?”

“Huh? I’m sorry, Dani, what were ye sayin’?”

“Never mind, Rahny. Nice day isn’t it?”

“I… suppose.” Rahne said neutrally

“Come on fur top, try to cheer up some. I know it’s not easy…”

“Ah don’ have much tae be happy aboot, Dani.” Rahne said flatly, “ An’ I doubt that I ever will again.”

“Don’t say that Rahne, Try to remember the good times you’ve had. Remember when we hid air fresheners in Amara’s uniform? Remember what happened when she transformed into her lava form?” Dani smiled

“Heh, she smelled like burned strawberries for a week.” Rahne chuckled slightly.

“She almost smiled.” Dani thought to herself, “Remember when the Professor found Bobby’s and Sam’s stash of play boy magazines?”

“Aye, Sam turned a new shade o’ red!” Rahne snickered.

“Yeah, and they both had to write a three page essay on why it was wrong to keep contraband from the teachers. Now that I think about it, I can’t remember what the professor did with the play boys.”

“Gave ‘m t’ Logan, most likely.” Rahne commented.

“That reminds me, did I ever tell you about the time me, Sam and Kitty spiked Wolverine’s cigars with marijuana?” Dani asked

“Excuse me? How on earth did ye accomplish that?”

“Me and Sam talked Kitty into phasing some marijuana directly into Logan’s cigars. That way, he wouldn’t be able to smell it when he lit them up. For ten straight minutes, he was telling us how he fought off undead Nazi legions alongside Gandhi in India!” Dani laughed, recalling the incident

“How come ye or Sam never told me this?” Rahne asked, barely able to talk without laughing herself.

“Well, Wolverine gave us three very good reasons not to.” Moonstar explained.

When they finally reached the mall, Dani was thankful for the handi-cap sticker. The mall was full, with people speeding all about looking for a parking space.

“Place looks pretty crowded today. We need to work on our timing some.” Dani commented.

“We…we ken always come back, Dani.” Rahne suggested

“Nonsense, Rahne, it’s not a problem.” Dani said as she pulled into a parking space. Dani carefully helped Rahne out of the car and helped her to her feet. They started to walk towards the entrance…

“We’ll have to get you a decent wardrobe…”

“Dani…”

“…a few pairs of shoes…”

“Dani!”

“ …maybe catch a movie…”

“Dani!! Please, stop!” Rahne shouted, almost in tears. Dani turned around and saw that Rahne was at least fourteen feet behind her, and not for lack of trying. Other people were rudely brushing past her, threatening to knock her over and Rahne herself looked like she was about to break down and cry.

“She’s not that fast on crutches, you stupid idiot!” Dani yelled to herself. She sprinted back to her friend’s side.

“Used t’ be, yuir the one who couldnae keep up wit’ me physically,” Rahne said miserably, her voice cracking.

“Times change. I know it’s hard now Rahne, but you’ll get used to it and adjust. It just takes time.” Dani reassured her

“I don’ think that’s possible.”

Dani couldn’t really think of anything to say. As Wolfsbane, Rahne enjoyed enhanced physical strength, speed that an Olympian would envy and agility that would put most professional dancers to shame. Now, it was made painfully obvious that Rahne couldn’t even walk at a normal pace, and her wolf form, which was once her means of physical freedom, was now her only means to be physically normal. But as Wolfsbane, she would stand out like the elephant Man’s ugly brother in public. It was like going from driving a formula one racecar to driving a broken down taxicab in New York rush hour.

“I promise you Rahne, things will get better.”

Dani, this time taking care to walk at a far slower pace, led Rahne into a nearby J.C Pennies. Rahne, at first, attempted just to buy whatever seemed the cheapest regardless of taste or fashion. She didn’t want to waste the professor’s money on herself, after all. With more than a little prodding, Dani convinced Rahne to buy herself some clothes that weren’t on sale and were clothes that she actually liked. Dani had to bite her tongue about how conservative most of the clothes were, though, but that was expected.

“Would it kill her to buy a tank top, or a pair of shorts? I mean, turtle necks?” Dani asked herself. After forty minutes, Rahne had bought herself about two weeks worth of cloths.

“I think that’s enough now, Dani. We ken head back now…”

“Don’t be ridiculous Rahne, we have barely started!” Dani debated on whether or not to tell Rahne that the Professor actually set a minimum on how much money they were to spend, and they hadn’t come close to reaching it, “I think I’ll hold off on that information for now. Hopefully I can get her out of her ‘I’m not worth it’ funk she’s in.” Dani thought to herself

“Look, I need to run these clothes out to the van. Why don’t you sit over there on that bench, and I’ll be right back?”

“All…alright. Hurry back, Dani.”

Dani sprinted back to the van, and piled the stuff in the back seat. She quickly returned to Rahne, and was stunned when she saw Rahne sitting on the bench, her head in her hands, crying and sweating terribly.

“Rahne, what’s wrong, sweetheart?” Dani asked as she rushed to her friend’s side

“I…don’ know, Dani. I…I really don’. When you left, I jus’ felt so…so afraid and…anxious… I don’ know… what’s wrong with me…I’m losin’ me mind…”

“No, you’re not Rahne.” Dani sighed, “It’s called a panic attack, and it happens sometimes in cases of severe trauma. Hank filled me in on it a few days ago and, to be honest Rahne, I think you should get some professional help.” Dani explained as rubbed Rahne’s back to calm her down.

“No.”

“Rahne, I really think that you should talk someone who’s trained…”

“No! I’ve already had muh body dissected, and I’m nae aboot t’ let that happen tae me mind! The last shrink I saw wasn’t even canny enough t’ even recognize I’d been turned int’ Pavlov’s dog!” Rahne said angrily, “There are only three doctors I trust in the world anymore, an’ one o’ them is dead. An’ what doctor could possibly understand what I lived thru? Jus’…stay with me while I calm down, alright?”

“…”

And Dani did. After Rahne’s panic attacked passed, the two continued to shop. After a while, both of them got hungry and stopped at the food court. Dani started to become concerned about Rahne after she bought four slices of pizza and totally consumed them, along with two 18-ounce cokes.

“Umm, Rahne? You might want to leave some room for dinner, you know. Wolfing, pardon the pun, down all that food might ruin your appetite, you know.”

“Oh…muh…lord…” Rahne said with a smile

“What?”

“Dani, you sounded like a mother, jus’ then!” Rahne snickered

“Oops, sorry about that, Rahne. I didn’t mean too, honest. It just slipped out.” Dani shrugged

“Oh, it’s nae a problem. And don’ worry about me appetite, I’m still hungry!”

“ Well, I think you’ve had enough. Why don’t we take these back to the van and we can catch a movie before we head back.”

Once that was done, the two of them tried to decide on what movie to see.

“What’s something your average protestant fundamentalist would like?” Dani asked herself. Dani had a preference for action movies, but Rahne preferred movies with a lighter subject. After much debate, they picked a movie and headed in. When Rahne got to the doors of the movie theater, however she stopped cold.

“Rahne? What’s wrong?”

“It’s …dark in there.”

Dani winced inside. When she suggested that they see a movie, Dani had completely forgotten about Rahne’s pathological fear of the dark…

“If you don’t want to, we don’t have to go in Rahne…” Dani said

“But…we already bought the tickets…”

“That doesn’t matter at all. It’s just a movie, Rahne.”

“Yuir right, Dani.” Rahne sighed

“So, do you want to leave?”

“Not on me life. Like ye said, it’s just a bleedin’ movie. I’m not about t’ run away from it like some coward.” Rahne said with a trace of anger, “Just…could I hold yuir hand while we watch the movie? Please? I know it’s silly, an’ all but…”

“It’s not silly or a problem, Rahne. Lets head in.”

As they went inside, Rahne was naturally a little tense. When the lighters were lowered to start the movie, she squeezed Dani’s hand a little bit harder, but she never broke down or felt the need to leave. After a little bit, she did something she hadn’t done in some time. Rahne laughed and enjoyed herself.

“Well, I would say that was a day well spent. We got you some cloths to wear, saw a movie, and we’re still back at the mansion by six. Do you think you’d be up for eating dinner with the ‘senior staff’, Rahne? I know Kurt’s been dying to see you.”

“I…I’m nae sure, Dani.” Rahne said hesitantly

“Please? The others really miss your company too, you know.”

“I’ll try, Dani. I’m nae aboot tae make any promises I cannae keep. I jus’ hope the professor isnae mad that we bought so much.”

“Trust me, Rahne, he won’t mind at all.” Dani said as she pulled the car into the garage.

“Rahne, if you don’t mind, I need to do a work out before dinner. Do you think you can keep yourself occupied while I do that?” Dani asked as they entered the mansion

“I’ll be fine, Dani. I’ll ken just watch the telly in the rec room till dinner.”

As they parted, Dani debated on whether or not to just forget about a workout and stay with Rahne. Ultimately, she decided that Rahne didn’t need her to be with her every waking moment anymore.

“I think she’s coming out of her shell now. Thank the spirits.” Dani noted to herself.

But like many things in life, that was about to change.

Rahne looked around the rec room for the remote. Like most small things that people needed for day-to-day survival, it was currently M.I.A.

“I ken never find it went I need it.” Rahne grumbled, “And ‘Touched By an Angel’ has probably started already.”

While she hunted for the remote, Rahne didn’t notice Jean and Cecelia enter the room, concern written all over their faces.

“Rahne, honey, we need to talk about something.” Jean said

“Oh, ‘ello Cecelia, I been meaning t’ talk ye ‘boot somethin’,” Rahne said. She sat down on the couch, and fiddled with her hands some. Rahne knew she had to ask, but she wasn’t quite sure she wanted to hear the answer.

“About what, Rahne?”

“Am I…am I pregnant? I’ve been so hungry lately, an’ muh stomach area jus’ feels odd…I don’ know how tae describe it really… an’; now that I think aboot it, I know I missed muh period, or at least I think I did…” Rahne asked nervously. Although she tried to hide it, just asking the question disturbed her a great deal. She didn’t want to be a single mother, after all. She did love children and if she was pregnant, she knew she would love the child with all her heart regardless of the fact that it would be a child of sin, but she didn’t want to be a mother just yet, to say nothing of the fact that it would be a reminder of her rape, “It’s the only reason I…ken think o’ f’r bein’ so hungry an’ all.”

Both Jean and Cecelia winced at the suggestion, and they exchanged a nervous glance at one another.

“You’re… not pregnant, Rahne. Your large appetite is a result of your body attempting to build up its stores of vitamins and nutrients for your wolf form that it lost when you were recovering, it’s perfectly normal. For you, I mean.” Cecelia explained

“Oh, that’s a relief,” Rahne sighed, “ I dinnae know whit I would do if I was pregnant. So, what did ye want to talk tae me ‘bout?”

“As you know, when you were held captive, they removed some of your internal organs. Like one of your lungs and a kidney.” Cecelia said, her voice coming close to wavering

“ An’… me tail, but aye, what of it? I ken live with what I have left, can’t I?”

“…”

“She doesn’t have the slightest clue where this is going.” Cecelia thought to herself. “I don’t know if I can do this to her.”

“We’ve put off telling her long enough.”Jean told her telepathically, “But I’ll tell her, if that’s what you want.”

“It…it is, I’m sorry, Jean.”

“Rahne, when you were held prisoner, they…they removed your reproductive organs. Specifically, your womb and ovaries were removed. I’m so sorry, honey, but… you can never have children.” Jean explained, “That’s…that’s most likely why your stomach area feels odd.”

When Jean said that, Rahne’s face went pale and her heart stopped. The words hit her like a sledgehammer, and Rahne’s entire world came crashing down around her. Never have children. All her hopes and dreams for the future… No. It couldn’t be true, she thought to herself, it can’t be true. Maybe they made a mistake; somehow they had to have made a mistake…

“What…are ye talking aboot? Are…are ye sure?” Rahne nearly begged, still in shock

“Of course I’m sure, Rahne. I’m so sorry…”

“So, I’m… nae a real woman anymore.” Rahne said emotionlessly.

“Just because you can’t have children doesn’t mean you aren’t a woman, Rahne, a lot of women…”

Never have children.

“Bein’ a woman… means a lot o’ different things… tae a lot o’ different people, Ms. Reyes!” Rahne growled, her eyes filled with tears. Without meaning too, Rahne had shifted completely into her change form. Rahne clenched her fists so hard that her claws dug into her palms and her hands bled, but Rahne didn’t even notice or care. Any physical pain was completely drowned out by her emotional pain now, “An’ I know what it means t’ me!”

Never have children.

“…Moira loved you deeply, Rahne, you know that…”

Never have children.

“…And I love Nathan more than anything in the world…”

Never. Have. Children. Those words screamed thru her mind, cutting Rahne to her very soul. Jean desperately tried to comfort her by explaining how she loved Nathan, her own adoptive son, like her own flesh and blood and she tried to remind Rahne of Moira’s love for her, but Rahne would have none of it. To her, it was just a proof of the happiness of others, happiness that she felt, no, she knew she would never know now. Happiness she could never be a part of now for as long as she lived. Jean’s attempts to console her felt more like hot knives to her heart. Rahne collapsed to her knees, unable to catch her breath and feeling like she was going to vomit.

“I know how much it meant to you, Rahne,” Jean said as she put her hand on Rahne’s shoulder to comfort her, “But it isn’t the end of the world…”

“Shut up! Shut up! Ye don’t understand! Ye can’t! Just…jus’ shut up an’ leave me alone!!” Rahne screamed. She smacked Jean’s hand away and darted out of the rec room, sobbing.