A/N: Bwahaha! I got you! Like I'd really just end it there! Come on ya'll know me better than that. I'm not completely evil. You can blame my muse for whatever afflictions may have been caused by the abrupt ending in the last chapter. He wanted to end it there, I knew better. *sticks tongue out at glaring muse* So we compromised. Sorry if we scared the heck outta some of you. Purely unintentional, I assure you.
Muse: Yea, right.
*glares at him*
Also, major kudos to those of you who felt the ending was appropriate, it makes me feel proud to know you feel me capable of such excellence.
Muse: You?! THEY at least know how to end a good fic.
*sigh* Look we've been over this. This is a trilogy! Remember that?
Muse: *nods*
This is your bright idea!
Muse: Uh huh…
So, if you already know what HAS to happen, why do you fight so hard to just run amuck with it?!
Muse:……
Okay, do you at least see my point?
Muse: Yea.
Fine that's all I ask.
Muse: *mumbling* But, I still think its better this way.
And, you're probably not the only one. I'd like to leave it like this, but you and I both know we have a lot of adjustments to make if we're gonna keep this fic alive.
Muse: *sigh* I guess your right. But-
But, you know this is how it's got to be. Continuum and all.
Muse: *nods*
Alright. So, sorry once again. I'll try not to let it happen again.
Muse: hmmm….
Anyway, on with the fic!
In the next instant, the room was gone, as was Maddie. Nothing was left but the field. Then a lake appeared. It was large and clear, the surface smooth and glittering. Large mountains sprung up in the background, and brightly colored wagons were scattered along the landscape. The feeling of familiarity was sickening to Pietro. He began to look around, his movements slowed by his shock. Kurt was mumbling in German and rubbing his sore stomach. There was a gentle breeze, and it carried the sweet scent of cinnamon. Pietro turned in the direction of the smell.
He faced a purple and green painted wagon. He hesitated for a moment before bolting toward it. He stopped a few feet from the door and surveyed it. A small crystal vase held sticks of burning incense in the window. Flowers hung upside down in each corner. The wheels were large and intricately designed. A white Arabian stallion was tethered to the end of the wagon, chewing grass lazily. A large fire blazed in the distance, in what seemed the center of the camp. A pie was in the window of the blue and yellow wagon across the way. He took a deep breath, and was surprised to find himself suddenly hungry, the smell of potato soup thrilling his senses.
With a gulp, he willed himself forward. He was afraid of what he might find. He stretched a shaking hand toward the doorknob and froze. He realized if he never opened this door, then he'd never know the truth. But, that might be better than finding out things he was sure he probably didn't want to know. However, the choice was taken away from him as the door swung open slowly. Pietro drew his hand back and flexed it. He bit his lip. 'What to do. What to do.'
By now the Professor and Kurt had caught up with him. "It's like a crazy funhouse vright outta somevone's nightmare," Kurt commented. "That it may seem Kurt, yet this is Rogue's mind. It's much more dangerous," replied the Professor. "Ja. I've noticed." Pietro gulped, before bravely stepping inside. He had to duck at the entrance, and now as he stood up, he noticed how large it was inside. He blinked a few times, as his eyes adjusted. Then he swallowed hard, as the sickening sinking feeling returned.
The inside was warm and comfortable, and had a very homey feel. Pietro's heart raced, but his breaths came in short, strangled gasps. He closed his eyes as similar flashes appeared in his mind. He finally decided to test himself. Keeping his eyes closed, he began to wander about the wagon, seeing through his mind's eye. His successful blind exploration only caused panic to rise in his chest. Opening his eyes, the panic increased ten fold, and he stumbled backward in disbelief until he fell through the door and landed on his back on the ground.
Kurt walked over and looked down on him, understanding in his eyes. "Are you alright?" Pietro's breaths came in sharp, piercing wheezes, and his heart raced faster than it ever had before. Pietro lay on the ground, trying not to die, as the panic overwhelmed him. Xavier kneeled beside him and placed a hand on his chest. "Pietro, listen to me. Calm down. Take a deep breath. Take another…" Pietro lay there and for the first time in his life, obeyed every word. He began to cough as his breathing and heart rate returned to functioning as allies. Kurt and Professor Xavier helped him up, then they turned back to the wagon. Kurt's head tilted to one side, then he turned to Pietro. "Vat did you see in zere?" "Home," Pietro replied weakly, "Home."
