Chapter 15: Rescue

A couple minutes later, I found myself lying on my back on the living room floor. Alex was almost asleep on the couch. I'd been reluctant to let him be bait with me, but he'd insisted and Logan thought it was a good idea. My pain was slowly escalating. Every breath hurt more than the previous one. I sighed. My plan was going to work; it just had to.

Cyclops, Mystique's coming in the front door now. It seems that the professor is out cold, Jean supplied from the next room over.

Thanks, Jean. Then all communication seized. I arranged myself so that it looked like I had passed out but my ribs weren't smashed. I shut my eyes and slowed my breathing. No sooner, I heard the light footsteps approaching.

I knew when Mystique had entered the room by her stifled gasp and the sound of a wheelchair stopping. I felt her eyes on me; then she approached. I kept breathing slowly and just concentrated on that. My chest ached, but I didn't move.

"Tsk, tsk," she whispered above me. "What has Charles been teaching you? Apparently you chose to rebel, Cyclops." She spoke as if she didn't expect to get a response. "Stupid kids."

I heard a BAMF and knew that the professor was safe.

"We're not that stupid," I growled. I rolled onto my back and blasted her in one smooth move. She screamed and shot backwards. I saw Alex shift. Mystique saw it too. I had to get to him first or she'd hold him against me. I struggled to my feet as Logan pounced on her. Jean floated over to help him. Kurt appeared by Alex before teleporting them both away. I had just enough time to breathe my sigh of relief when a furry hand grabbed my arm.

I spun around. I was in the infirmary. "Nightcrawler!"

He was all ready gone. I heard some snickers coming from one of the beds. I strolled over and looked down at Alex. He held up his good arm in either innocence or surrender. I wasn't sure which, but I didn't care. I sat on the bed next to him.

"I think they plotted to get us out of the action," I supported, not all that angry.

Alex nodded, "Yup."

"Do you need anything?"

"Nope."

"Why don't you get some sleep."

"Because it's only late afternoon."

I snorted and Alex closed his eyes anyway. He might fall asleep; he might not. Either way he was safe and I did not want to put any more drugs in his system. I calculated through my memories to realize it was Tuesday. Hank would be home tomorrow afternoon. I hoped I looked better by then or he'd skin me alive. I heard the significant BAMF again. I looked toward the sound. Kurt stood there supporting Ororo. I raced to his side and took over as he returned upstairs.

I laid her on a bed and started an IV. I didn't want her to dehydrate plus I laced it with painkillers and a sedative. Soon she was asleep. I paced the room and waited. I didn't want to sit because I knew that I would not be getting back up for days. I lost all track of time and laps. Alex's snoring was the only keeping me sane.

Finally Jean came in. She rushed over and kissed me. She flooded our link with love and passion. I pulled back, "Good news then?"

"Of course."

I pulled her against me and kissed her again. She pushed back when we heard footsteps approaching. I looked up to see Logan and Rogue.

"Why aren't you in bed, Cyke?" he growled as he drew near me.

"Never made it that far," I returned, running a hand through Jean's hair.

Logan snorted in fake disgust. Rogue chuckled. I sighed and climbed onto one of the beds. We needed to know how bad I actually was and hopefully I could start healing again. Jean grabbed one of my hands. Logan wrapped an arm around Rogue's shoulders. I glanced at my sleeping brother and it really sank it: everything was going to be okay. Even with Magneto still loose, Professor would know what to do with the others. I pulled Jean down for another kiss. Yes, everything was okay now.

THE END

AN: Wow! I can't believe it's done. I want to thank anyone who reviewed this fic at any point and even those who read it but were too lazy to review (we all know you're out there).