Disclaimer: Don't own X-Men. Dangit. And the uhm… 'whore' line… is from the musical "Les Miserables"

A/NI: Heh. You all probably think I'm evil. Well, this is a whopping huge chapter, so I hope you're happy. Thanks for all the reviews -- they were soooo much fun to read! There were some eloquent one, but my fav was Lyra Silvertongue - '::dies::'

A/NII: After this the chapters start getting shorter because it's getting more difficult to link the end together. I am also shamelessly trying to buy time to figure out what to do with the alternate ending (for those of you who completely forgot about that b/c of the surprise in the last chapter, yes, I am writing two endings, and this is the first chapter of the original ending).

Aside to Internutter: No complaining. This was how it was always going to go. Wait for the next ending!

Dedication: Well, this one goes to Addie Logan for her fic "Faith Unbending" because it helped give form to what I call "Jeans Introspection" in this chapter (it's also a really good shortfic. Go read it and its prequel, "Trust"). Also to Silverangel for giving me advice before I posted this chapter.

Troops, advance!

Chapter XIV: Rats

"What's this one do? Besides the obvious, I mean," Amanda was peering through a barred window into a cage that would disgust the staff of any zoo.

The creature in the cell looked up as a shadow crossed his window, blocking out a little of the only light he ever got. Not that he had been a being of the light before, but at least the sewers were bigger. Mottled, bumpy green skin, blank pink eyes and one too little fingers marked the boy as a mutant.

"Calls himself 'Leech'. Sucks the powers right out of any mutie nearby."

Amanda shot a shocked look at Graydon, and whistled. "Nice."

"You bet. That's why he's in the middle of this place, near the computers. If the X-Men ever discovered this place, they couldn't get into the main control room with their powers," Graydon was actually having fun. This girl was smart, and although she'd been working on her own for the two years since her brother had been killed, she'd readily joined the Friends of Humanity once she'd been assured they would allow her to continue as a plant in the Xavier mansion. So she was two years younger than him -- she was also anti-mutant, intelligent, pretty, and the only real downside to the girl was that she was black. Oh, well. Can't have everything, I suppose.

"Hmm. So, any ideas on what I'm supposed to tell the X-Men on why I spent the last two hours with the Friends of Humanity? Telling Xavier that I've decided Nightcrawler really is a demon and deserves to be destroyed won't go over well, I don't think."

Graydon laughed aloud. "No, plus, that would burst FOH's cover. We're still a peaceful, help-out-your-neighbors group on the surface, remember?"

"And I'm still a shy little thing. So. What, you and Duncan dragged me to some sort of party and I kept getting waylaid on my way out? Ended up spending half an hour convincing you to drive me home?"

"That might work. So, you'll be back with the freaks tomorrow?"

"I'll have to be, won't I? Yeach. After the hospitality of real humans, going back in there is going to be irritating."

"You can handle it," Graydon's voice purred from behind her. He ran a hand through her hair, and Amanda stiffened when she felt him kiss her jaw. She whirled. "Graydon!"

He held his hands out and shrugged innocently. "I figured you'd want something to balance the time spent with the mutie cur."

"Kurt's not--"

"So it's back to Kurt again?" Graydon's eyes narrowed. He was beginning to suspect they'd been tricked. At the sudden fear in Amanda's eyes, he knew. "You really are a good actress, aren't you? And to think, I almost let you walk out of here," Graydon pushed a call button installed next to Leech's cage, in case he escaped. "Bogie on level four, emergency containment needed."

As FOH members started coming out of the woodworks, Graydon turned back to Amanda, who was neatly trapped. "Mutie whore!" he spat.

"Even a whore won't be had by a rat!"

Her statement of defiance was the last thing she got out before someone behind her knocked her out.

*

It was too light and too dark, blinding and blind. A column of white encased in darkness. And she was trapped within the light.

The line between black and while solidified as Amanda whispered a word in a forgotten tongue, an ancient combination of Latin and Egyptian. She came fully awake. Taking in her surroundings, she cleverly deduced that she was tied to a chair. She grinned. Stupid of them to use something made of natural fibers. Not even that plastic rope synthetic, but actual real rope. Which means that they're is going to get the surprise of their lives!'

Or rather, they was. She had just begun to work herself free when a rectangle opened in the wall -- a door. She halted her whisper, knowing she didn't want to work this while someone was in the room. Precisely how she had managed to get herself into this position was still fuzzy, due both to her former state of unconsciousness and her quick wake-up. Forgot about that particular aftereffect . . .

Graydon smirked. "Thought that was the best move, didn't you? I understand why, logically. They do seem to have more power. What I can't understand is how you stomached it."

Amanda dragged her head up, glaring at him and trying to think of a witty response. Then she gave up. "Stomached what? And how the hell did I get here?!"

"Drugs not worn off yet? Maybe I shouldn't tell you. Tell you what you ought to have figured out by now -- that you've been kidnapped and ransomed by enemies of your mutie friends!"

"Verdammt," she muttered. "So, since you're obviously the evil mastermind, would you answer my first question?"

"Betrayal."

Amanda just stared at the Friends of Humanity member. "Betrayal of what?"

"Your species, bitch! Of your very self to those freaks!" he hissed.

So that's how I managed to get myself into this rather indignant situation, Amanda thought. He insulted Kurt one time too many, and I broke my cover. Here's hoping I bought some time for Kurt to assemble the cavalry!

*

Several hours crawling through enemy ventilation was taking it's toll on Nightcrawler -- especially his fur. It was tangled on the elbows and knees from the tight squeeze, and matted everywhere from sweat. His tail was the only part of him not starting to cramp because of the close fit, as it could still move comfortably.

It hadn't helped that he had caught up with Amanda just as a FOH member snuck up behind Amanda and pressed a few key pressure points, knocking her out cold. The only reason he'd been able to find the cell they were holding her in was because Graydon had gone in when she woke up. He heard Graydon in there, snarling at her, and grimaced. He had to get her out of there.

*

*Scott, Rahne! What's going on? Where's Kurt?*

"Elf hitched a ride on Duncan's car when they kidnapped her, Professor. We have to find them!" Rahne burst into the lounge. Xavier, Logan, Ororo, and Jean were inside, all with nearly identical expressions of shock on their face.

"Call to arms, Xavier. Let's move," Logan growled.

*X-Men, to Cerebro, ready to move!* Xavier shouted, and the mansion came alive.

"I'm coming, Professor."

Xavier studied the werewolf, whose hands-on-hips attitude left no room for doubt. "Alright, Rahne. Better hurry then."

Rahne was the first into Cerebro, Rogue a step behind her and Scott after that. "Right. Professor, you have everything?"

"I'll explain it all, yes," Xavier looked over the group of mutants, making sure they were all there. And of course, the obligatory eavesdropping New Mutants. "Now, Amanda's been kidnapped by Graydon Brent --"

"Creed." Logan growled from the back of the room, and Ororo put a calming hand on his shoulder.

"-- Graydon Creed and Duncan Matthews." Rogue and Evan shot Jean looks that could kill surer that Cyclops. "Kurt managed to stow away in Duncan's trunk, but we have no idea where they are or what's going on. However, I should be able to use Cerebro to find Kurt, and locate Amanda from his directions."

"Why can't you just find Amanda?" Kitty asked.

Xavier sighed. "I can't read her mind, let alone communicate telepathically with her." with that, Xavier turned back to the computer powerful enough to be granted it's own room, and searched mentally for his wayward student.

Nothing.

*

Why isn't this working?! Nightcrawler was more than frustrated; he was scared. His whole plan hinged on being able to teleport in and untie Amanda, and he couldn't teleport. For the first time since getting his power, he was frightened that he might not have it.

He had moved so he could hear everything Graydon said to Amanda, and her rebuttals, of course.

". . . for your mutie friends to come rescue you? Even if they find this place, they won't be able to get you."

Amanda swore under her breath as she realized what Graydon was saying. "You put me next to Leech, didn't you? So Xavier can't find me, and Kurt can't teleport in."

"We know his power works on line-of-sight, and anywhere that he's close enough to see you, he's too close to Leech," Graydon smirked.

*

The students, who'd been exiled to wait outside Cerebro while the Professor was working, were doing various things to keep them busy. Xavier had never had this much trouble finding one of his students before, especially with Cerebro's help. Rogue was pacing in front of the doors, hardly able to think coherently, Even was sharpening one bone with another, Kitty and Rahne were discussing how best to get revenge on Bobby for his latest prank, Scott was doing what he did best (brooding), and Jean was playing solitaire.

Rogue finally screeched. "WHY ARE YOU JUST SITTING THERE?!"

Jean jumped, scattering cards everywhere, one of which was run though by a sharpened bone when Evan jerked in surprise.

"I can't use Cerebro, Rogue! I'm not powerful enough to harness it. I'd be overwhelmed. You think I wouldn't rather be in there, helping find him?!"

"Ah'm beginning to think so! Ya were so busy watchin' Amanda that ya didn't even notice when yer boyfriend turned anti-mutant!! An' now he's got Amanda an' Kurt!" the southern accent thickened with each word as Rogue vented her fury.

"Rogue! Calm down," Cyclops ordered. "No matter the mistakes Jean made, she can't help now, and you're probably disturbing the Professor."

Rogue shot a last baleful glance at Jean before going back to pacing.

Scott's words stung, although she knew they were true. She hadn't trusted the girl from the beginning, feeling like it was her fault she couldn't read her mind. She'd become so used to skimming people's surface thoughts that it disturbed her when she didn't sense any in Amanda. The accusation was worse, coming from Scott. Scott . . . Jean had never thought that he would turn away from her. Over anything, let alone something so small as someone elses girlfriend. He was her Scott, and she knew it. That's why she could go out with Duncan, wallow in being popular, live up to everyone expectations.

Or what she thought was everyones' expectations. The X-Men had showed a whole new side since Amanda had come into their lives, apparently growing in their dislike of her. Even Kitty and Amara, who she thought she'd been on good terms with, had started shying away. All because of what? Because she didn't trust one person? Couldn't she be given a little slack?

It wasn't just over Amanda, however, and Jean knew it. Was denying it, but knew it. Scott loved her -- loved in every way possible, as his only really close friend, as a teenage guy with waaaayyyy to many hormones, and something more. There was something in Jean that drew Scott to her and made him ignore everyone else, and there was something in him that evoked the same reaction in her. Sure, Duncan was hot, and could be led around by the nose, but she didn't really care about him. Hadn't cared about another guy since she first met Scott. She was friends with Kurt, Evan, Bobby, and everyone else, but her heart belonged to Scott. Always had. She'd come to depend on that, knowing that he would love her and agree with her regardless. Regardless of who she was dating, what the X-Men were doing, and of any other competition. Competition Scott had never in reality had, because she loved him as much as he loved her. They were soul mates, for lack of a better term.

She just wasn't about to admit it.

The X-Men knew it. Saw it in both of them, that they'd rather be with each other than anyone else who ever lived, and that Scott accepted it. But I didn't and it irked them because as jumped-up as Scott can be, he was always kind. They teased him, called him 'General One-Eye', but liked him a heck of a lot more than they liked her. Now that Scott wasn't speaking to her, she'd lost whatever shaky footing she'd had.

Dammit, I didn't mean for this to happen! she wanted to shriek, if only to get a reply.

Evan beat her to it. "Hey guys, look. What're the chances?" He held up the card his bone had skewered.

King of hearts. Just like Kurt.

Rogue looked about ready the shred something into pieces small enough to fit through a cheese grater when the Professor's surprised voice came from inside Cerebro.

"Amanda?!"

*

"I suppose your mutie friends told you everything? Or at least, you'd think they told you everything. One would have to wonder why we're going through the bother to capture a full human, mutie whore or no."

Amanda watched Graydon warily. She had a feeling this was important. "Are you going to tell me something, or are you going to sit there pacing like a caged animal? Oh, that's right, I forgot. I'm the caged one. Kinda wondering what would happen, though, if you became--" the door slammed shut a moment before creaking open again, making Graydon jump. "Caged too?"

Her interrogators eyes narrowed. "You're good." he then slid over and stuck his face in front of hers. "I'm better." Graydon resumed his circling. "Think of me as a vulture circling dying prey. As I was saying . . . You're not here because you're dating the mutie cur."

"Do you have a list of insults for Kurt in your pocket that you keep referring to? Because I'm sure I've heard that one before."

Graydon ignored her, much to her frustration. Go away, damn you! I haven't finished it yet! "You're here because the mutie cur you're so found of is the son of the leader of mutant rebels. We've discovered her only soft spot is her son."

"Then why not ransom yourself, mein bruder?! GET AWAY FROM HER!!" Nightcrawler screeched and shot out from the vent on the back wall, barreled into Graydon, and tumbled in a mass of skin and fur through the open door. Gunfire sounded.

No, Kurt! Why couldn't you just stay away? This way they win! she resumed work to untie herself, muttering in a little-known tongue. Where are the X-Men? I don't think me trying to rescue him by myself is the greatest idea!

*Amanda?!*

Professor Xavier! Kurt's here, by himself, trying to get me out!

*The Cavalry's on it's way. Amanda, how is this --*

Possible? That will take some explaining. Y'see, I made the barriers you ran up against. It's a long story, one Kurt deserves to hear. However, the X-Men had better hurry, or FOH will apparently have a hostage for every major mutant in Bayville! Mystique and Kurt --

*Of course . . . We played right into their hands.* Xavier sounded disgusted with himself.

Not if I can help it!

*What?* Xavier was cut off as Amanda freed herself.

"Nightcrawler!" she called, standing. One of the FOH members turned a gun on her. She raised her hand and halted the chemical reaction that caused the gun to fire. Blue flame ringed her eyes as slowly backed towards Nightcrawler, concentrating on keeping them from getting shot. The air slowly began to answer her summons, forming a wind tunnel that diverted anything in it's path around Amanda and Kurt.

". . . 'Manda, what's going on?" Kurt called as the maelstrom surrounded them.

"It's called a windshield, and it's a complicated bugger of a spell. I'm going have to drop my usual magic and focus on this! Nightcrawler -- you may not like what you see."

"'Manda, what--?!"

The form she had been wearing dropped away, revealing an olive-skinned, blond-haired girl with the same dark brown eyes. Blue light shimmered across her skin as 'Amanda' vanished, dissolving into the vortex of the windshield.

The now-transformed novice sorceress stood shock-still, sweat pouring off her skin and blue fire -- her magic -- spinning from her hands. Her dark blond hair was all the moved as it whipped about in the wind.

Kurt knew her.

"Jimaine?" he whispered, slowly covering the distance to the figure whose eyes glowed blindly with blue fire. She did not hear him. "Mein Gott in Hummel -- Jimaine! Oh, no you don't. That's how Stefan got hurt, engulfed in his magic -- Jimaine!!"

*Nightcrawler, where are you?*

Just head for the center, you can't miss us! And hurry -- she's going to kill herself if she keeps this up!

*Kill -- Kurt, what's going on?!*

I haven't time to explain, but if we don't get some backup now, she's going to die!

SNIKT!

*Ahh. There's your backup.*

The hastily-armed FOH were cleared out of the hallway as the X-Men came barreling through. Jean and Storm kept them out. "Hurry up back there!" Storm called with forced calmness. "We can't hold this forever!"

"Um -- Love to, darlin', but I'm not sure how to get them out of there."

Amanda -- or rather, Jimaine -- was still holding the windshield.

Inside the whirlwind, Kurt was attempting to muster enough courage to touch the lost sorceress. "Jimaine! Jimaine, help's come! Drop it, Jimaine! Drop the spell or you'll burn out! Jimaine!!"

She was as blue as he was when she stared at him, fiery eyes inhuman and uncomprehending. "{Help?}" she inquired in German. "{No help. All on my own . . .}"

"{Not anymore, Jimaine. You have family in this foreign place. And when I tell you that you can let down your guard, would you trust me?}"

A moment of hesitation shone in bright blue before fiery eyes gained humanity enough to smile. "{Trust you . . .}" The blue slowly faded as the windshield was reduced to miniature whirlwinds, and she collapsed.

The X-Men rushed forward.

"What th' heck's goin' on?!" Rogue demanded. "An' who's that?"

"It's Amanda -- trust me, it's her, although this will take some explaining. We have to get out of here!"

"Kid smells the same, Rogue, so it's her. Let's move, people! Storm, clear the row ahead o' Jeannie's wall!"

Storm's eyes lit, and the hall was cleared by concentrated wind. "We have ten seconds before they recover enough to fire," she stated calmly.

The X-Men were long gone by then, doors jammed behind them by bone spikes and halls in front empty because of Cyclops' low-power blasts. Once they were near the exit, Shadowcat did reconnaissance. "Door's like, fifty feet ahead, and I'm totally dragging Spyke back out with me. FOH out front, people!" she yelled as she and Spyke ran ahead, phasing through doors and the few remaining FOH members.

Logan loaded Amanda into the middle row of seats on the Blackbird, on top of Nightcrawler and Rogue, while Jean, Storm and Scott covered for them. Jean managed one last telekinetic blast before swaying, then finally fainting. Scott, of course, caught her and strapped her in before taking the copilot's seat, which was usually occupied by Kurt.

"Alright, we're gone!!"

If it weren't below his dignity, Scott would have whooped.