Lou hurried back from town, her hand squeezing the poster and her heels eagerly kicking into Lightning's sides. She paused when she came to the sweat lodge, where Bobby was stuck keeping guard.
Your friend, she panted, and Bobby rose in one instant move.

Lou nodded and handed Bobby the poster. At first the boy just stared blankly at it, but then he swallowed. The circus...
Guess he was telling the truth, she replied, nodding at the lodge. Come on.
She pulled him up next to herself at the horseback and they rode up to the others. Lightning squirmed when Lou kicked him this time, but she didn't have patience with that right now. The people on the field stopped their training when they saw her arrive, and she jumped down from Lightning. Bobby slid down too, without any attempt at grace.
I found your friend, Lou said, and held up the circus poster. They'll be coming to town tomorrow.
The poster showed several different kind of attractions, some of which where appaling to a 21st century person not used to sideshows. And in the middle of all this was an easily recognized blue beast, if more ferocious than in real life. He was surrounded by the words The Amazon Gorilla -- more clever than a fox, more dangerous than a grizzly.
I think I'm gonna go sick, Rogue muttered.
The other X-Men stayed silent, contemplating what they saw. Scott rubbed his forehead and finally nodded slowly.
The kids and the riders looked at him as if he had just grown another head, a so far unknown mutation.
It's perfect, he repeated. We know where he is, when we can get to him, and who has him.
Yeah, well, those who have him own a side show, that doesn't bother you? Jimmy asked, upset at Scott's calm.
It could have been worse. They're bound to want him alive and in one piece.
Logan gave a snarl that could have meant almost anything, if it wasn't for the metal around his bones. Alive and in one piece *was* the point. Yeah. Being up for display for a while won't harm him. Hank's strong enough to manage.
Bobby was about to protest, but Rogue put her gloved hand on his arm. She had seen Logan in a cage, fighting people for money. The situation wasn't all that dissimilar. It's better than Magneto.
He glanced at her, and for the first time in months remembered that the white streaks in her hair weren't just pretty decoration. He hated the thought of Hank in a cage, but he nodded slowly. I guess.
The riders would have wanted to protest, but they realized that they were in territory they knew very little about. They just listened as the X-Men began to plan for the coming day and the arrival of the sideshow. Suddenly Logan rose his head and sniffed the air a little, looking around before his eyes fell on Lightning.
Your horse is bleeding, he said to Lou.
There was indeed a gash at Lightning's side. Lou frowned. What could have done that? She looked down at her own feet and noticed that her spur was broken, a sharp tip was all that remained. She loosened it from her boot and took it up to look at. Weird... I don't see how it could fall off like that.
Logan muttered a curse. How close did you get to the sweat lodge?
Lou paled when she realized what she had done. I... went there to get Bobby. Pretty close, I guess. I showed him the poster and told him what happened...
Which means now Erik knows, too, Jean concluded, and even before she had finished the sentence, they were all on their way to the sweat lodge. Bobby was the first one to get there. As the others tumbled in behind him, he got out of the lodge, holding a sharp piece of metal in his hand.
He's gone. I shouldn't have left.
If he had that thing to cut the ropes, I'm glad you did leave, Ororo said calmly.
It's my fault, Lou said, devastated. Nobody argued with her, but they didn't blame her either. There wasn't any point in that.
Scott said, what's done is... He stopped suddenly.
Noah said, turning around instantly. Cody was watching Mystique, and whatever else the cocky rider was, the two of them were a team. He was barely aware of the X-Men team leader running beside him. fearing the worst he climbed up the ladder to the stable loft and didn't know whether to laugh or cry when he saw Cody manacled in there.
Thank God you came! Cody said. I've been calling like crazy, didn't you guys hear me?
I'm afraid not. Sorry, Noah said and moved forward to loosen Cody. Scott stopped him with a hand on his arm.

Only then did Noah remember Mystique's power, and he nodded his consent, waiting for the others to arrive. After the kids came Jean, and Scott turned to her with an unspoken question. She looked at Cody for about a second, scanning his mind, and then nodded. It was really him. Noah noticed the nod and went forward to his friend.
Isn't it like you to get into trouble, he said, but the mocking tone was only there to mask his relief, and Cody knew that.
Hey, I couldn't do much against the two of them, he protested lightly. What's been going on around here?
Noah said, looking up at the others with a sigh. We know where their friend is. Too bad we just lost the prisoners.

**********

Come closer! said a caped midget and motioned for the people on the square to step into the tents. See the wonders of the world! We have the remarkable fire-eater Roberto Zabora, the armless wonder Lorita Cook signing postcards for a nickle a piece, a ferocious gorilla from the Amazons, a baby with two heads conserved in alcohol for the benefit of science...
The benefit of entertainment, Ororo muttered. Well, at least it's the one place Hank won't be noticeable.
The riders formed a circle around the tents, slightly uncomfortable. The X-Men would go inside and they were going to take care of the crowd once Hank was free.
A man gave Buck an unfriendly push. Hey, Injun boy, what you doing out here instead of in there? Buck looked up, as well as Ike, who had been in the middle of a question. The man chuckled. Goes for that friend of yours, too.
They did what they always did in those situations, which was simply pretend that nothing had been said at all. Jean looked back at them for a split second, but when she realized they were dealing with it, she proceeded inside.
The Amazon Gorilla? Scott asked the midget.
A good choice. Second to the left, a quarter for the trouble, the midget replied.
They moved into the tent, where two large men were guarding a cage on wheels. Inside the cage, Hank McCoy was putting on a tired act of ferocity, mostly to avoid the sharp stick the men poked him with when they found his performance less than convincing. The X-Men watched it passionlessly, and Rogue pressed Bobby's hand hard to prevent him from speaking.
Logan moved up near the cage. Don't they have any wonders with more bosom? he asked casually.
Hank looked up at the sound of the familiar voice, and bared his fangs in the slightest of smiles when he saw his friends in the crowd. Scott stared straight ahead, as usual without any emotions put on display, but the corners of his mouth twisted down slightly. *Ask Logan to create a distraction,* he sent to Jean, and she passed the request on. Logan nodded casually and moved outside.
I got a letter from Hank the other day, he told Jean, still looking straight ahead. He had no peripheral vision and needed to see Hank's reaction. He told me he's about to start a *duck* farm.
Hank slowly sank down on his knees, realizing that was the key word. This caused the men to slam the stick into his ribs, and he growled in a way that would make Logan blush in embarrassment, but the men seemed pleased with it, and he stayed on his knees.
There are some horses loose outside, a loud voice said from the entrance. They're running away as we speak, so if you had your horse tied up by the saloon, I suggest you go find it.
There was a massive movement of people going outside, and Logan grinned at Hank. The distraction seemed to have worked. Scott focused on the cage and quickly calculated the force needed and how to best achieve it. Moving both his hands up the the rim of his glasses, he quickly pulled them down slightly and moved his head from left to right before pushing them up again. The beam blasted the roof off the cage, and the few people still left in the tent started screaming. Once the roof was off, Hank jumped out of it with his usual agility and grimaced in pain as he hit the floor. In one piece was a phrase with many meanings. Bobby hurried up to him and hugged him tightly.
Scott said, pushing the youth towards the exit. Now get out!
Ororo called on a thunderstorm to send people inside and make them forget that they had just seen a force beam blast out the side of a tent. Maybe they would even assume it was some strange sort of lightning. Outside, the riders were waiting with getaway wagons and the X-Men's last possessions from the hotel. Hank's keepers had gotten over the shock enough to realize that their precious beast was getting away, and the first bullets began to fly over the wagons.
Come on! Jimmy said, firing back. They won't miss forever!
Then suddenly all the guns dropped at once, and slid together into a pile. As they escaped the scene, Jean caught a glimpse of a distinguished profile and some grey hair.
*Thank you,* she sent, and Magneto looked back at her, bowing his head slightly.

**********

They didn't stop the wagons until they reached the station. Everyone hurried inside, and a few of the riders positioned themselves by the window to fire at any followers. Rachel had linens and hot water ready, but was still shocked to see the gashes of blood on Hank, and Hank's own appearance obviously added to that shock.
You poor thing! she said, and Hank smiled a little, sitting down on the bench by the table.
I assure you it looks a lot worse than it is, he said in his usual refined style. No arteries seem to have been hit, and the wounds are all superficial. I doubt any of them need suturing, if such a thing is even available in this environment. No offence, madam.
Well, they have to be cleaned anyway, Rachel said. A bit cautiously, she dipped a linen rag in water and started cleaning the bleeding areas. When he made no attempt to act as the beast he looked like, she continued more freely.
No broken bones? Ororo asked.
Judging from the pain in my side, a rib must have cracked, Hank admitted, but since it hasn't damaged the lung it's nothing to worry about. I'm a bit sore, of course, I suspect there has been some muscle damage, but nothing that will not heal quite easily.
Guess they took advantage of the fact that you don't bruise, Logan stated without much passion. Glad to have you back.
The X-Men were all sitting close to Hank, and Bobby hugged him so tightly that Hank had to push him away a little bit, grimacing of pain.
the boy said, laughing and crying at the same time, and the MD hugged him back, somewhat more carefully.
No need to apologize, Robert, he said softly. He then looked up at the others. I can't begin to say how grateful I am you came for me.
Of course we would, Jean said. Gives me fewer hours in the med lab. Her team mates joined in with a hearty rudeness that more than anything showed just how much they had missed him.
Otherwise what would I do next time a lens cracked?
You shouldn't be the only one to try out Forge's inventions. He's *my* ex after all.
Like I'd let away the only guy I can tickle properly.
I've missed your lectures on what smokes and drinks should be doing to my body.
Hank laughed. Alright, I do believe your message has come through. And as for you gentlemen... and ladies, he said, adressing the riders, I thank you too. Very much.
It was the least we could do! Cody said, squirming in his chair. If I had helped you in the forest, none of this would have happened.
Hank looked surprised, only now recognizing the rider. That was you? There's no reason to apologize. Your reaction was highly natural.
Still unforgivable, though. I'm so sorry.
It's quite alright. You can hardly blame yourself for what these men did -- not to mention our old friend Magneto.
What did he want with you, really? Ororo asked, the one question they hadn't managed to find out.
He wanted me to create aggression reductors. I don't think going here was the plan to begin with, but once we was here, he claimed a war was the perfect situation to try such an invention.
So there will be a war, Teaspoon commented. The X-Men payed no attention to it, though, they were too busy with the revelation. So very simple, seemingly humane, and absolutely idiotic.
That's just like Magneto, isn't it? Scott said, jaw tightened. He can always claim he only did it for humanity. Never stops to think that maybe aggression is there for a reason, or what will happen if some have it and some don't.
But surely it would be...
Lou's protest was never finished before Jimmy waved at them. Get down!
Seconds later, a gunshot broke the window. Everyone crouched, and Jean and Ororo moved up to the window while Scott hurried to get his visor from the bags and put down his glasses. They positioned themselves next to the riders by the windows.
Is it really that smart to use your powers? Jimmy turned around to ask Jean. We won't be able to hold Hank here forever. Jean simply shrugged, not ready to give up without a fight.
We won't have to. It was Logan who answered. He had been playing with the Tesselty and now held it up. If I understand this gizmo correctly, there's an opening in five hours, three miles from here. Hank can get the button and go home, while the rest of us have three weeks until the next hole to recapture Magneto.
Three *weeks*? Jean asked, suddenly shook out of her calm. Who will take care of the kids if we're stuck here for the next three weeks?
Logan smirked. Chuck, I suppose. He could brainwash them into obeying his every command.
Charles would never do such a thing and you know it.
Then he's in trouble, I guess. Logan was still smirking, but they were both serious underneath.
Teaspoon said after a moment of thinking. We'll sneak out, two by two. There are extra guns for those of you who need it. What can you do, son? he asked Hank.
I have enhanced agility, strength, speed... Hank grimaced. That is, I do under normal circumstances.
Teaspoon handed him a gun and raised an eyebrow towards Scott. I hope you are all right with this? he asked, acknowledging the young man as the leader. He got a short nod as a reply -- Scott was busy firing blasts through the broken window. As soon as there was a moment's advantage, Teaspoon motioned for the first two to get out, and Hank and Bobby slipped by the intense shooting, Bobby holding on to the Tesselty.
Here's to nothing, Logan mumbled and grabbed Rogue's hand, following only minutes later. After Noah and Ororo left as the third couple, the shots suddenly intensified.
They've figured out what we are doing, Teaspoon said. Well, we knew this wouldn't be easy. It's gonna be harder from now on. Any volunteers?
Ike, who was closest to the door, looked up to see who would come with him, and Scott quickly moved up to his side. We'll go. They're still a bit jittery around my blasts.
Okay. Ride safe, boys, and for God's sake try not to get shot.

**********

Teaspoon and Cody were the last ones to flee, and by then their pursuers were spread across the landscape. Unlike them, the riders and X-Men did not have horses, which made their escape slower, but also allowed more places to take cover. A mile from their planned destination, Ike dodged behind a rock and looked out for enemies. There was one riding behind that was shooting at them quite violently, but he also glimpsed something far ahead. Looking more carefully he found that it was Noah and Ororo, though, and he couldn't help grinning as the distance between their faces was reduced to nothing. Mortal danger set off pheromones.
He had no time for more elaborate voyeurism, though. While he still watched the pair disappear in the distance, a blast so forceful it made him jump was fired dangerously close to him. He turned around in shock, and saw Scott pressing a hand towards his face.
Ike? Are you okay?
Ike nodded, but Scott repeated his name, with a voice close to panic. His eyes were closed for protection, and Ike moved closer, squeezing the other man's hand as a sign of reassurance. Scott relaxed and took off his visor. It had cut into his skin due to the gunshot, and his temple was bleeding. With remarkably steady fingers he checked the lense. A sigh escaped his lips.
He thought for a second and then shrugged. We're more than halfway there, there's no going back. Are you up for the challenge?
For a second, Ike felt a pang of panic. How could he possibly be expected to lead Scott to the opening when he couldn't even make himself understood? But there really was no other choice, so finally, he squeezed Scott's hand again, and Scott grinned. Okay. Let's go, then.
Ike held him down and touched his bleeding face.
It's just a scratch.
That was true, but Ike still took off his bandanna and wrapped it around the wound to stop the bleeding. He got the slightest of smiles as a thanks, and they both proceeded forward.
One of their pursuers was riding dangerously close, and they ducked. Ike quickly discovered that although Scott was remarkably accurate in judging the number and location of enemies, taking cover was another matter altogether. He dragged the mutant leader closer to himself and fired at the enemy. The man got off his horse and walked up to their hiding place, still firing at them. Ike took a run to the left, but Scott let his hand slip away and rolled down on the ground. Before the attacker had a chance to change his target, he found his legs caught in a tight grip that caused him to fall over. A few punches later, and Scott had the man's gun in his hand, quickly knocking him out with it. Ike just stared. He had never seen anyone move like that. It wasn't quite right to say that Scott acted as if his eyes were still open; a more accurate description was that he acted as if every piece of his body was an eye. The logic part of Ike's mind told him that it was just well-trained hearing and touch, but it didn't feel that way. In any case, it made him relax considerably. Still, it took them longer to get where they were going, and not too far from their destination, Kid and Lou met up with them. Ike had been in close combat with another enemy, and was most grateful when, at a slow moment, a gunshot made sure the man didn't get close again. He looked over to where Scott was fighting, but that was a mess too tangled up to try and solve with fire arms.
Kid said, and then, noticing Scott's bleeding face and closed eyes, are you really letting him fight like that?
Ike shrugged. There was no about it, Scott had made it perfectly clear that Ike's presence in a hand combat would only confuse him, and he respected that decision. Kid, however, had gotten no word of warning and rushed up to help Scott, just as the X-Man knocked out his enemy. As a thanks, he got thrown flat on his back nine feet from where he had been standing. Lou tried to hide a smile, and Scott got up, frowning.
Who was that?
The Kid, Lou replied.
Oh Christ! Ike, when I told you I was trained for this you could have passed it on! Or was it unclear somehow? He walked up to where Kid was lying and waited for the rider to rise. You okay?
Yeah. And don't blame Ike, he didn't have a chance to tell me.
Scott smiled. Okay, I won't. Well, if you're not hurt, let's get going. There are only five hundred yards left.
How do you know? Kid asked, getting back on his feet with some effort.
I just do.

**********

At the meeting place, Hank and Bobby, Logan and Rogue were already gathered when the next two couples arrived. They had shaken off all pursuit and was now simply waiting for the last people to arrive. When Jimmy showed up, he was alone.
Where's Jean? Rogue asked, immediately worried, walking up to him.
She's coming soon, Jimmy said reassuringly. Don't you worry.
But why were you... Rogue caught Logan's eye and noticed that he was making a motion as to take something off his hand. She put her own hand up to her glove and looked at him to see if that was right. When he nodded, she slid it off and put her other arm across Jimmy's chest. Make one move and I'll drain you. Care to say what this is all about? she asked Logan.
That ain't Jimmy, sweetheart, he replied. And if Mystique's here, that means Magneto's around too, and that I'm damn lucky to not be flying in the air already.
Can you smell him? Rogue asked. At that same moment, Mystique, still in Jimmy's form, gave her a violent kick to get loose. The only result of this was that Rogue's hand happened to brush her cheek. Mystique reverted to her true form and fell uncoscious to the ground while Rogue took a horrified step backwards. Logan had already started sniffing the air, and his concerned eyes met hers.
He's here alright, he said.
Half a mile further south, she added, with the knowledge of Mystique's memories.
I'll go there, Ororo said, looking towards Noah who simply nodded. He would be more than willing to use his whip in assistance. Another look made Bobby stand up and prepare to go with them. It would have been best if they could bring Jean as well, but she and Jimmy had not arrived to the meeting point, and they had no time to wait. They didn't even have to go as far as half a mile before a familiar silhouette could be seen some distance away. He didn't bother to try and hide. On the contrary, he was waiting. Ororo pulled the others to a stop and turned to him.
We have Mystique, you know.
No, I didn't know. His voice was calm, almost friendly, but far from harmless. Noah's hand went to the whip, only to have Ororo stop him.
Why don't you just come home with us?
You're asking me to voluntarily go back to prison?
Actually, she was. There wasn't much time to force him, and it was either that or going back in time once more just to capture him. The way I see it, your plans have been hopelessly interfered with, your protegée is caught, and when we leave, you will be stuck in a time where they hang people for stealing a horse. I'm not sure what the punishment is for genocide -- maybe you could join the people currently committing it.
Magneto raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment on the insult. Instead, he simply sat down on the ground. I don't wish to kill you.
Same here. She stood silent for a while. I know there are things you care about, Erik, and I know that woman is one of them. As is Charles, I suspect.
True enough. He rose to his feet. Send him my regards.
Apparently, that was his last word in the matter, because he turned to leave, taking a glistening roll of thin wire from his pocket and throwing it in the air. It swirled around like a dancing snake and dived down to tie his opponents. Ororo sighed, and gave an affirmative nod to Bobby, who froze the thing in midair. Rolling back her eyes, Ororo called on a wind and sent what was now an ice sculpture back towards Magneto. He worked the metal out of the ice, but before it was fully through a large icicle hit him in the head and he fell down. Ororo hurried up to him to check his pulse.
How bad is he? Bobby asked.
He'll be awake again in a minute or two. *Damn*! Someone called on them from behind and when she turned around, she saw Jean running up to them. Just in time.
Sorry I'm late, Jean said. Quite a few guys to fight off and all that.
Actually, you're not, Ororo replied. Think you can keep Magneto unconscious long enough to bring him through the opening?
Jean made a grimace. It will be tough, but I suppose so, if I keep my hands on him.
Ororo got ready to go, but then she hesitated, throwing a glance at Noah before looking from Jean to Bobby, estimating their strength. Think you and Bobby can handle it on your own?
Jean frowned. Sure. But what are you... oh.
Ororo smiled at Noah. We still have an hour left. That's plenty of time for a third date.
You still didn't tell me what's so special about the third date.
Well, you're about to find out.

**********

The thunderstorm started some time later, while the others were still waiting. Jean's mouth twisted a little, and Scott's expression became even harder to read than usual. Cody noticed their faces and connected it with the sudden change in weather. I guess they figured out a few things, after all, he said with a grin that didn't disappear even when Lou kicked him in the shins. However, when the two finally returned, there was a total lack of suggestive remarks from him as well as the others.
Are you ready to go? Teaspoon asked. He had been the last one to arrive, and had made sure they were now undisturbed.
Ororo's blue eyes met Noah's brown, and they both knew they were far from ready. Maybe it would have been better if they had never had that third date, but done was done, and neither of them regretted it. Still, there were no declarations of love, no tears in their faces. She reached out her hand in a formal goodbye. Take care of yourself. With the war and all.
You too, he replied. With the persecution and all.
Jean was holding the Tesselty, and she handed it to Ororo to see. The hole is already open. To Noah, she added, You had better step back, we don't want you to be drawn in.
Didn't they, though, Noah thought, looking at the mutants gathering together to go home. Their world wasn't his and that was all there was to it, no matter how nice these past few weeks had been. He retreated a few steps and stood there watching as the X-Men walked through nothing and disappeared. It was remarkably undramatic.
Teaspoon said, breking the silence. We'd better go home. It's going to take some effort to explain to people what just happened.

**********

EPILOGUE


Ororo browsed through Kitty's history essay. The American Civil War -- as if she really needed to be reminded of that. They had all gotten back to normal after the time traveling experience, but that didn't mean there weren't times when they still thought about it. She dismissed all personal feelings and tried to look soberly at the essay. The writing itself was fine, but the appendixes were a mess, and Ororo had a strong feeling Kitty didn't always check her sources properly. She looked at a photocopy of an old article from a local magazine, mentioning the first casualties in some town called Rock Creek. Wonder were the girl got those pieces of trivia? Suddenly something caught her eye, and she sat up straight, staring at the article. Her fingers slowly traced a name, as if she had to feel it to believe it. Returning to her senses, she left her chair and grabbed her coat, heading out into the corridor. Her thoughts screamed for Jean to come, and her friend hurried out from her room to join her. *What's wrong?* Jean silently asked, walking through the corridors to catch up with Ororo. Ororo replied with her discovery, her fears, and her intentions. Jean hurried to take her jacket, and the two women drove together to Forge's place.
This time, Forge was home when they arrived, slightly puzzled to see them.
Hey. What's the problem? Not Magneto, I hope.
No, he's still where we left him, Ororo saved. We need to use the Tesselty.
He raised an eyebrow. Come on in. You know, the Tesselty isn't a toy, he added, when they were taking off their shoes.
We're trying to save a life, Ororo replied. She showed Forge the photocopy. One of the friends we made in the nineteenth century was killed early in the war. Noah Dixon. We need to stop it.
Forge took the photocopy and sat down on his couch, reading it. Ro, this happened a hundred and fifty years ago. They're all dead by now, anyway.
I know that, she snapped. It wa hard to think about, and it made her feel a bit guilty, but she knew she couldn't stop this. But some of them got to *live* first! I'm not asking to go there for Cody, who's going to live to see seventy. I don't want Noah to die young. Not if there's anything I can do about it.
He stared at her, and she met his eyes, not yielding. Finally, he sighed. Alright, then. I'll check for holes.
As he had done before this whole ordeal started, he sat down by his computer, connecting the Tesselty to it. There was only so much information that could be held in the device itself, and after their return he had emptied it to prepare for new journeys. He didn't look up when he finally stated, There's a few good options. I can't send you back to where you have already been, it would involve more risks than I'm willing to take. But at eight o'clock tonight, there's an opening in New York City, leading directly into Rock Creek a few days before the printing of the paper. Of course, we don't know for sure that it will be enough -- there were no daily newspapers back then. If you come too late, I can't send you there again. Maybe one of the others, but...
Do it, Ororo said.
Forge got up from his seat and went into the hall. We'd better hurry if we're going to get there in time. He noticed the looks the others gave him. What? Magneto was one thing, but I'm not sending two attractive young women to that time alone. One of them black, none the less.
Ah, of course. It had nothing to do with the fact that his ex-girlfriend was saving an old beau. Shame on anyone for thinking otherwise, Ororo thought cynically.

**********

So maybe they should have checked the Tesselty for details. Showing up on a staircase in the Rock Creek hotel may not have been the most appropriate of entrances. Then again, nothing would have been, considering they were not even appropriately dressed this time. Jean glanced quickly at Ororo and raised an eyebrow at her cleavage, which was no more modest than usual.
a man yelled, rising from his chair, and his friend pulled him down.
Did you ever see ghosts dressed like that? They're witches!
The rest of the crowd seemed too shocked to move, as the three mutants headed down the stairs and outside. Someone grabbed Ororo's arm, and she spun around, ready for a fight. It was Cody.
What in Heaven's name are you doing here? he asked them. I thought I would get a heart attack when you showed up like that!
Where's Noah, is he okay? Ororo asked, ignoring Cody's questions.
At the same time, Jean admitted, We didn't have time to plan for an imperceptible entrance, I'm afraid.
Cody didn't seem to know, which one to reply to, and was even more confused by the unfamiliar Indian man accompanying them. Noah? Yeah, he's fine. Why shouldn't he be? It finally dawned on him what they were doing here. He's in some kind of trouble, isn't he?
Seeing the answer in their faces, he led them outside and looked around for someone to ask. Hey, Randall! he yelled to a young man. Have you seen Noah?
Yes, he went with the soldiers to the raiders' camp, Randall replied, and Cody paled.
What!? Why?
I think he tried to look out for that Mrs. Birch or whatever her name is.
Cody muttered a phrase Ororo hadn't even thought was invented in the 19th century, and although the mutants didn't realize quite what was going on, they did understand that what they had come to prevent was about to happen. Can we go there? Ororo asked.
Yeah, sure. We'll just get some horses.
Cody's impatience in finding the horses didn't exactly calm the others down, and although Ororo tried to push herself into leadership mode and not panic, she was quite relieved when they finally headed off towards the camp. And there was Noah, still riding with the others, and more than a little surprised to hear Cody yell out for him. Turning around he saw the others, and immediately rode back to greet them.
Ro? What on earth are you doing here? Is there any trouble?
Yeah, well, it seems *you* might be in some trouble, Ororo said apologetically.

Noah was distracted by what was going on around him. The soldiers were retreating, but a young woman seemed to have an argument with some of the officers, and suddenly she headed off in the opposite direction. Noah's chin fell down, and he muttered something about crazy women before turning his horse around and riding after her. Gunshots were being fired, and Ororo felt strangely cold as she realized that what they were here to stop was about to happen. She hurried after Noah, hoping and praying that the time she had delayed him would be time enough -- and then there was another gunshot, and Noah slumped in the saddle. He soon straightened up again, but she knew what she had seen, and she rode up to him, taking the reins in her hand to stop his horse. There was a bloody stain on the back of his shirt, and when she had managed to halt the horse, she saw there was one at the front as well. The bullet had gone right through him.
Forcing herself to stay calm, she dismounted and helped him off his horse. I'm okay, he whispered, but it was a reassurance that didn't convince either of them, especially since he fainted a second later.

Both Jean and Forge came up to her, and Jean only took a quick look at the wound before turning to Forge. Is the portal still open?
For another hour. Should we really move him?
I don't think we have a choice. Okay, Ro, bind him up and we'll get him back. Don't worry.
Cody had seen what was going on and was practically hysterical. Noah? Can you hear me?
Jean touched his shoulder lighly. Listen to me, Cody. I'm not going to lie to you, this is bad. I've seen people survive worse, but never in a crude environment like this. If we let Noah stay here, he'll be dead by the end of the day. Do you understand?
Cody nodded. You want to bring him back with you.
I'm a doctor. I have to give him that chance.
With the experience of hundreds of fights, Ororo and Forge were caring to Noah's wound, and Forge put him up in front of himself at his horse. It was nowhere near as useful as an ambulance, but it was all they had, and Forge rode off as quickly as he dared, to get the wounded rider to the portal. Jean and Ororo mounted as well, and Cody looked up at them. He knew full well that he might never see his friend again. Just keep him alive, will ya?
The soldiers were returning, and Cody muttered a curse under his breath. There was no way he could explain this. Oh, my friend Noah was just abducted by a bunch of mutants from the future who wanted to save his life? No. From now on, Noah Dixon was dead to the world. No matter what happened in that obscure future, there would be a tombstone with his name on it in the Rock Creek cemetary.

**********

The X-Men landed in Forge's livingroom, and when Noah's unconscious body had been placed on the floor, Jean hurried up to check his pulse. He had none. Call an ambulance, she said, pressing her hands down on his chest.
Shouldn't we take him to the mansion? Ororo asked, knowing how hard it would be to explain something like this to official authorities.
Not enough resources. Call one. Jean kept her sentences short, still attempting to get Noah's heart to beat. She was relieved to find the pulse come back and Noah draw a shaky breath. The irregularity of the latter made her frown. I think it must have damaged a lung. And quite a lot of other things as well, although she made sure not to say this out loud. Ororo looked nervous enough already, and anything that could make the Storm Queen nervous was *bad*.
The ambulance arrived less than five minutes later, and the only reason the X-Men got away without explaining exactly why there was a bleeding cowboy lying on the floor was that Noah's condition allowed no casual conversation.
Ororo was the only one to follow in the ambulance, and remained right outside the OR as the doctors tried to fix the mess the stray bullet had caused.
He's going to live, you know. Jean and Forge had caught up with them, and Ororo knew that Jean's comment was true, even though the rushed activity inside told her Noah was in no way out of danger.
They let me look at the X-Rays. I can't deny that it's an awful mess, and he's lost a lot of blood as well... but he'll live.
When Ororo still didn't answer, Jean simply squeezed her shoulder and left. Forge, however, remained where he stood, silently watching the surgery.
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? he said after a while. Maybe Magneto was right, and it would have been better if Hank had created those aggression dampeners.
And what if the South had gotten hold of them? Ororo asked, not taking her eyes off Noah. How can we claim to be good guys if we don't act it? But I guess you have never understood that.
Forge let the insult pass. Like many inventors, he tended not to think about what sort of trouble his inventions could cause. I hope your boyfriend will be okay.
He's not my boyfriend, Ororo said. We just had a few dates.
A few dates? You brought him one hundred and fifty years into the future to save his life. That's one hell of a responsibility. If he's not your boyfriend, you'd better start thinking of what you want with him.
Ororo watched the doctors work to stop the bleeding, mend the bones and whatever else they were doing in there. Behind them all, Noah's heart monitor was showing the beats of his pulse, steadier now than before. Up, down, up, down, up, down...


THE END