Author's Note: This is a short chapter, but completely necessary. Sorry to anyone who actually likes my story for the long wait..

Rogue and Nikki sat in their room, completely absorbed in their television. They were watching Ororo's tape of last week's episodes of One Life to Live. Jean appeared at the door, her face showing her obvious joy.

"Hey girls! Go get dressed! Professor is taking all of us to see a show tonight!"

"Wow, all of us? What's the special occasion?" Nikki pulled her eyes away from the screen.

"It's the anniversary of the his opening the Institute. We do something special every year," Jean replied excitedly, "and this year, we get to see Aida on stage!! Come on, get dressed! Oh, and Rogue, easy on the makeup. Just tonight," Jean bounced out of the room before Rogue could retort.

"She should talk about going heavy on makeup. I don't put on an inch-thick layer of foundation everyday..." she grumbled as she pulled a pair of black dress pants and a sleeveless red turtleneck out of her closet. She put on the outfit and her black lace gloves. Kitty decided on wearing a teal dress and a white cardigan, and Nikki had put on a black boatneck top and maroon silk pants. They went downstairs to join the others.

Even Kurt, who was reluctant to go to a musical, thoroughly enjoyed the show. Everyone chatted excitedly on the way home.

"Oh, the ending was so romantic!"

"They died!"

"In each other's arms, fighting for what they believed in!"

"The music was so great. I hope Ororo lets me borrow the soundtrack sometime."

"The Princess chick was hot!"

"Shut up, Bobby."

"What was her name again?"

"Oh, my.." Jean's voice trailed off in surprise.

"What's wrong?"

"Look," she pointed.

The gates of the Institute were open. Scott turned on the walkie talkie system connected to Logan's Jeep.

"Logan, the gate's open."

"Wait there, kid. Something's not right."

A minute later, the Jeep pulled up. His voice came over the walkie talkie.

"I'm gonna check it out. The Professor said to stay in the car."

They watched Logan hop out of the vehicle and approach the Institute, claws bared.

"What happened?" Rahne looked fearfully at the others in the car.

"I don't know, Rahne."

"It wasn't the Brotherhood, was it?"

"I said I don't know."

After a few more minutes, Logan reappeared at the door. He jumped back into the Jeep, and motioned to Scott to follow him up the drive. They got out and crowded around Logan and Ororo as they helped the Professor into his wheelchair from the car.

"What's going on?"

"Yeah, what's wrong?"

"You'll see," Logan growled as they headed to the door. He threw it open. They all gasped to see the Institute was completely trashed.

"Oh my God! Professor, who did this?"

"I suspect it was Magneto and his delinquents, but he seemed to have blocked their minds. I can't read any of them." the Professor replied, rubbing his temples.

"But how could they have gotten the-" Nikki began, but stopped short, answering her own question, "Oh, my God! It was me! They got in because of me! That must have been why Pietro was feigning interest in me. That little silver haired weasel! Dammit!"

They waded into the debris that had been their home.

"Nikki, do you remember what we discussed when we planned your stay?" the Professor asked solemnly. Nikki nodded tearfully.

"That if I jeopardize the Institute in any manner, I'll have to go live with my Aunt in K.C."

"No, professor, you can't!" Kitty cried, "It was Quicksilver, not Nikki."

"No, Kit. He's right. This is all my fault. I'm sorry." her voice had regained its strength.

"I'm sorry to say this but, I must ask that you pack your things. Storm will bring you back in the X-jet tomorrow morning."

"Yes sir," she replied stolidly as she began to pick up the mess.