After only a minute or so, a sharp and shrill screeching scream cut through the still air from the alley Chameleon had gone. The scream came again, a second just after she'd taken a breath.

Fox's eyes widened and he leapt up from the table banging his knee into it, issuing forth a stream of profanity. But he kept moving, he had to, he was running, the nerves of his leg screaming at him. Were he anyone else he would have thought there was a cracked bone involved. He shot down the alley to where he pinpointed both the scream and the laughter that followed to have come from. He had a pistol in each hand, his own, and one dropped by the group of punks earlier.

He came upon a rather pathetic scene. Chameleon was tucked up in a tight corner, her powers unactive and her clothing burned and scorched. A tall and dark male stood over her, a ball of fire floating on his finger. Chameleon trembled and cried, her face black with soot. The boy continued to laugh.

Fox fired a shot at the boys arm with one of the pistols, he wasn't above shooting before warning, well, sort of. "Nex' shot'll be through yer heart," he snarled, eyes narrowed to a glare beneath the shadow of his hoodie.

Pyro howled in pain, the flame in his hand flaring enough to scorch Fox and Chame with the heat. She screamed again, and Pyro whirled around to face the boy. "You little bastard, you'll pay for that!" He flung his arm out, showering Fox with flame.

It was Fox's turn to howl in pain, unable to hold it back, as he first went backwards and then skidded along the ground. Ah hell, he felt like his skin was being burned and scraped off, even though it wasn't, and it was only getting worse. He fired again, though he couldn't be certain whether or not he hit. He knew he hadn't hit Chameleon, but other then that all he knew was burning pain.

As soon as it started, the heat was lifted. Someone else was there with him. Rain was beginning to come down, and thunder was crackling. He could see Chameleon curled up in the corner, her clothing still smoldering and her hair and face burned. He saw a woman in a leather suit with white hair, her eyes like two pearls, as Pyro began to run.

Fox panted, curling up on the ground, front burned by fire, back scraped up by ground, neither as serious as one would think for looking at the amount of pain he was in. He didn't fire another shot at the running figure, in too much pain to aim, and content in that he and chameleon were safe. the question was... who was their rescuer?

The woman looked down at him, and hurried to his side as another woman, one with short red hair, ran to Chameleon. The woman with white hair looked him over carefully. "Hey... Can you hear me?"

Fox nodded softly. "Yeah, I 'ere ya," he half-whispered, wincing at a hint of a whimper in his voice. So much for being tough, he knew he had to look like the world's biggest wimp...

She touched his face gently, and surprisingly enough, it didn't hurt as much as he expected. "My name is Storm. We know Chameleon. We're going to take you somewhere where you'll be safe."

Fox's forehead furrowed just slightly, not knowing what he wanted to do. He wanted to go back to Stone, but at the same time he didn't want to bring trouble to him, and so he didn't. Thus he let her decide for him at least for now. "Aight," was his sole response.

Storm carefully lifted him, and before he could even process what was going on, the red headed girl touched him. All when dark, peaceful.

------------------

When he woke, he was floating... Floating...? He was in a tank of a blue solution. His burns didn't hurt at all... as if they weren't there. Indeed, his burns were healed.

Fox's reaction was almost immediate fear. He tried to find some way, any way to escape, and yet he was filled with curiosity at the exact same time. What was this stuff?

Once the computer registered his consciousness, a low beep was heard in the water, and the liquid slowly drained out, leaving him setting on a grate at the bottom of the tank. Slowly, two panels on the tank parted, then another set, opening him into the room. A young woman was there, with a white streak through red hair, and offered a small smile. "Welcome back... You had us worried." She handed him a towel. He wasn't nude.... but nearly. "'Name's Rogue."

He took the towel, head tilting, "Fox 'ere, and why the 'ell were ya worried 'bout me?"

"Well, you got burned up pretty badly. And you tried to help Chameleon. That makes you a friend." She motioned to Chameleon, still in the tank, her soft hair semi floating around her. The mask was tight to her face. She wore underclothing, but nothing more, to allow all her wounds to be healed by the solution.

Fox shrugged roughly, securing the towel as he did so, "Wasn' bad off as 'er, she gonna be aight?"

Rogue nodded. "Yes... She'll be fine. Dr. Xavier wants to have a word with you, though."

Fox's forehead furrowed again and he offered a small, confused nod. "Kay, but.. I dun s'pose my clothes are 'round 'ere somewheh'?" He wasn't too found of the idea of doing much of anything with just this towel, especially meeting someone. Doctor Xavier, this must be the school for gifted youngsters Chameleon had mentioned.

I don't think you'll be wanting those any time soon..." She motioned to a pile of char nearby. "...That's what's left of them." She turned back to him. "But one of the male students brought these down for you." She picked up a stack of clothing from a table - a pair of jeans and a white t, along with underclothing.

"Thanks," Fox said roughly as he took the clothing, eyeing the jeans warily, his had had a lining at least... He had a feeling this wouldn't be too pleasant an experience. His eyes drifted around for a place to get dressed, not that he had anything against changing right here, but, he knew that was hardly right...

"I'll go tell Dr. Xavier you're awake. I'll be right back." Rogue turned, and left him alone in the white laboratory

Fox's eyes drifted to make sure he was alone before quickly getting dressed. The jean didn't really hurt or anything, not just wearing at least, but they were still a bit annoying. The tee was fine, but he very much so missed his hoodie and gloves, he eyed what had been them. His poor hoodie. Were his weapons, not to mention the extras he picked up still there, or had someone grabbed them... someone had probably grabbed them. Damnit, this meant he'd lost the prize free donut card...

He heard a small thud, and when he turned, realized it was Chameleon. She hadn't woken... but she was twitching like crazy with a nightmare. He could hear muffled cried behind the mask.

Fox winced, turning to her, wishing there were something he could do to help, but... He sighed, about to stick his hands in the pockets of the jeans when he reminded himself he wasn't wearing gloves.

Slowly, the fluid began to drain, and she was lying at the bottom of the tank, still in REM sleep. She let out a scream, and she screeched his name as she tore the mask from her face, her hands braised on the grate as the doors opened, and she coughed fiercely. "NO! FOX!"

Fox jumped towards her, at her side in a moment. Disdaining all experience born instincts that told him not to, he pressed his hand on her arm. "Chameleon, I'm 'ere," he said softly.

Her head jerked as she woke suddenly, her breathing calming as she looked up at him. "Fox...! You're okay!!" She pounced at him, throwing her arms around him, soaking wet still, and rather cold, as she hugged him tightly. They toppled to the ground, but she didn't let go, and she began to cry. "Thank God, you're okay! I thought you'd..." She swallowed and couldn't finish

Fox yelped at the almost tackle, his entire body tens, and shivering slightly as she didn't let go. "Thought wha'?"

"That that bastard Brotherhood had k-ki..." She let out another sob, then after a small sobbed, pulled back and looked down at him, tears still down her cheeks

Fox's head tilted, "Killed me?" His gaze drifted away, "Well I'm nah dead, so dun' worry 'bout it." He smirked, "Nuttin' cin kill Fox." So it was a lie... and a bluff, but he didn't care.

She swallowed and touched his cheek... and then her face when dead white, immediately switching to beat red as she slipped away from him and sat on the ground, realizing that all she was wearing was wet underclothing. "... I... uh..."

Fox smirked just a bit, looking confused at the same time. He said nothing, though he sat up now, pulling his fingers through his tousled hair with a slight wince.

"... Could... you... please... get me... some... c-clothing...?" She pointed to the table where his own had come from, another stack there.

Fox nodded, getting up and grabbing the clothing, returning. "'Ere ya are," he said as he held out the bundle to her.

"..." She had her knees tucked up against her chest, so she reached up and took them. "T-Thank you," she stammered, and slipped the shirt on before standing, the t long enough to cover her. "Sorry... I... get embarrassed easily..."

Fox shrugged softly, "Nah, thaz perfectly aight."

Her blush stood out against the white of the shirt as she slid into the jeans. She smiled a bit as she brushed her hand through her hair, and the blush faded to a pink.

Fox smirked slightly, an impish hint to both it and his voice, "Feel betteh' now?"

"Yes, much." She smiled gently and touched his shoulder. "... Thank you for saving me, Fox... That was very brave of you."

Fox just shrugged, turning away from her. "'Twas also pretty stupid, shouldn'ta jus' shot 'is arm..."

"You did what you could... without killing anyone. She touched his shoulder, keeping it there this time. "Thank you..."

He just shrugged again. "Yeah," he said softly, voice rough.

The door opened, and a man in a wheel chair slowly came into the room, followed by the three women they'd met before, and two men. One was wearing sunglasses, and the other was WAY rougher than any of them. Almost like an animal. The older man in the chair smiled softly at the 'children', and Chameleon left Fox to greet them. "Hello, Professor," she said softly as she came up to him

Fox swallowed roughly, eyes drifting over the group as he turned to face them straight on, a growing nervousness inching through the core of his stomach. "'Ello," he said simply, he had no clue what else to say, and didn't move closer, having to fight an instinct that screamed out at him to run.

Xavier looked over at Fox, and smiled again. "And you must be Fox." He moved closer, but not too close to frighten him. The gentleness about him could not be denied. "Thank you for saving Chameleon. She might have been seriously injured or kidnapped if not for you."

Fox shrugged roughly, eyes still shifting nervously, from the man and back to the others behind him, "Wha' else would I ah done? Jus' sat where I could 'ear everythin' an' preten' I couldn'?"

"If you were almost anyone else in the city, that's precisely what you would have done." He steepled his hands. "You're a mutant as well, correct?"

He winced slightly at the term, "Yeah, thaz righ'."

"Would you like to stay at the school and learn with Chameleon?"

Fox's head tilted, surprise in face and voice both at that. "Ya'd take me?"

He nodded slowly. "Of course we would. You have potential... and I have a feeling you need a place of shelter." He cocked his head ever so slightly. "Stealing wallets and weapons is no way for a young boy to live."

Fox smirked ever so slightly at that one, "Thaz not da whole lis'... but, I 'ave shelter. Stone 'as always been theh, e'en when I wen' missin' he looked a yea' ta fin' me, 'e saved my life, I owe it to 'im." He shifted his feet slightly, "An' I dunno if I could jus' leave 'im." He did want to go to this school, more then he would admit, even to himself. He had always been eternally curious, and a school with others like him, sparked his interest.

"... Well... Bring him here. We have room to spare."

"I'd 'ave ta talk ta him, but, I dun think 'e'd stay," he said roughly.

Xavier nodded slowly. "So be it then... if you do not wish to stay, we cannot force you." He put his hands at the side of his chair, hand touching the control. "At least stay and rest for the night. You've had a busy day."

Fox nodded roughly, "I think I'll take ya up dat un." He wished he could take him up on the rest, but...

Xavier nodded. "Scott here will show you a room for you to sleep in. You are free to stay for breakfast as well, if you wish." He turned, and left, all but Cyclops and Chameleon following

Fox was utterly silent as he looked from Chameleon to Scott. He felt like he'd made the wrong choice, but he couldn't unmake it. even if he had the chance...

Scott led him to a guest room with a soft bed and warm sheets. Chameleon was not permitted to stay there with him, and tears filled her eyes as Scott shooed her out with himself.

Fox sat down on the bead shaking his head as he looked at the door. Perhaps Stone would stay, but... he doubted it. Stone had been the driving force in their travels. He sighed, falling back onto the bed, ignoring the annoying, almost grating feel of the jeans. This bed was too soft, he established immediately, but ignored the establishment, he'd be off of it too soon anyway, no doubt...

In the middle of the night, he felt something moving near him...

Fox's eyes shot open at the movement, hand reaching instinctively for a knife that wasn't there.

He saw nothing, but that didn't mean much. As Chameleon moved, the light bent slightly, and she appeared beside him, sitting cross-legged on the bed.

Fox release a breath, having gone half 'invisible' himself when he hadn't found the knife. "Hey," he said softly, "wacha doin' 'ere?"

She leaned down on her elbows. "... Why don't you want to stay, Fox...?"

Fox frowned, head falling, "Cuz I can't."

She was glad it was dark, so he couldn't see the tears in her eyes... at least she hoped he couldn't. "... Why...?"

"Cuz I owe Stone mah life, an' he wouldn'... I can't leave 'im," he replied simply, pausing a long moment before continuing, though these words were obviously more difficult to say, "I.. I actually wanna..."

"..." She took a deep breath and leaned in, kissing his cheek. "... I want you to stay, Fox... I want you to stay here... with me..." her voice shook as she almost cried

He pulled away a bit, shivering, "I'm sorry, I am, I jus' can't, sorry, I wanna." He stopped himself abruptly, feeling stupid for rambling.

She touched his cheek again, her hands wet with tears. "... Fox... I..." She sniffed hard, and let go of him, instantly disappearing from site. He didn't see where she went, but the opening and shutting of his door gave that way

Fox sighed softly, lying down again. Never before had he wanted to do something that had involved leaving Stone, but now... now staying with him seemed like a duty, not a choice.

Morning came, and Scott came in to wake him and invite him down to breakfast. "Hungry, Fox?" he asked carefully

Fox sprang out of the bed and stood there, eyes darting over the man for just a moment. "Yeah," he said, agreeing with his stomach, and, of course, remembering the unspoken 'rule' on free food.

Scott led him downstairs, where the students were already gathering to eat outside on a series of tables. Hot food was being served - no one was left to want.

Fox eyed the food, shifting his feet for just a moment before he stepped closer to the tables, eyes seeking Chameleon. He wondered if she'd even speak to him...

But Chameleon was nowhere to be seen. He even overheard a few children asking each other that same question... where was she?

Fox's forehead furrowed, ears catching the sounds. He closed his eyes, suddenly he wasn't hungry... but where was she? If she was in danger on his account... He needed to stop worrying.

Although he couldn't see her, he did see a smear of light near one of the tables. The smear moved as Chameleon walked back towards the compound. She hadn't seen Fox, but she hadn't been looking either. She just wanted to be left alone this morning... She stopped when she saw Fox, and watched him a moment... Why wasn't he eating?

Fox's head tilted as the light moved, and he focused his attention on it, not his gaze really, watching more out of the corner of his eye. Footsteps matched up with the movement... It could be coincidence... but he doubted it. He headed straight towards it, watching, listening, wondering what would happen next.

She'd been found. She sighed, and the light slid back in around her as she turned off her power, appearing as he came within a few yards. She looked up at him, no smile, but not cold either. "Morning, Fox...."

"Hey," he said roughly, not sure what else to say, stopping short of his approach.

She tucked her arms against her, head slightly turned. "... Getting ready to leave...?"

He nodded roughly, "Yeah, Stone's prolly scared I vanished on 'im again..."

She gently nodded, her hair slightly bobbing. She felt sick... he was really leaving... "Alright... Well... don't forget... to come around sometime..." Tears stung her eyes and nose, but she fought them.

He nodded softly, "I won', but, I'm gonna need yer numbeh 'gain..."

She paused, and nodded, grabbing a napkin from off the side of the table and a pen from her pocket, and wrote the number on it. She folded it, and handed it to him. "Won't forget who it's for, right...?"

He took the napkin, pushing it gently into his pocket, "Nah, I couldn' forget, I dun think." He gave a soft, awkward smile at her.

She smiled a bit. "You'd be surprised how forgetful a lot of things are when you have other stuff on your mind..."

He just shrugged in response to that, "Dun 'xpect me ta forget... I'll miss ya..."

She could only nod, turning her face away as a tear caught her. "I..I..I'll... b-be s-seein' you, F-Fox..." she choked, and disappeared, unable to hold the tears anymore.

Fox glanced to the ground, moving back to the food, to get his fill before he left.

Once he left, she sank to the ground, crying. No one could see her, or hear her.

Fox ate quickly, wondering if he was supposed to wait to say goodbye to anyone, or, if he should just go...

Xavier came to talk to him after he'd eaten. "Are you prepared to leave, Fox?" he asked softly.

Fox gave a small nod in reply, though his eyes were distant not focusing on the man as he talked to him, "Yeah...I am."

He nodded slowly. "Good..." He handed the boy a small package. "Take this with you."

Fox tilted his head, taking the package, curiosity filling his gaze now. "Open it now, ah lateh?"

He shrugged softly. "It's from Chameleon... She just told me to give it to you."

Fox's forehead furrowed at that and it was a long moment before he responded. "Kay," was all he said, even then.

"Good luck... in all that you do." Xavier turned around, and left, leaving Fox at the front door.

Fox shrugged, turning his attention to the package and opening it.

Inside was a small card, drawn very well, which the name Chameleon written on the bottom. A self portrait was drawn on the card. Under the card was a pair of leather gloves.

Fox grinned slightly, pulling on the gloves and sliding the card carefully into his pocket. Now he felt really bad about leaving.. but... With a small sigh, he stepped out the door. Fox shifted his attention to the card as he stood, only half out the door. He pulled it out from his pocket and opened it.

A twenty dollar bill fluttered out, wrapped up in a hand written letter from Chameleon. It read, "Dear Fox, I hope this is enough for a new hood jacket, since yours was burned when you helped me... I hope there's enough left over for your doughnut card, too. Thank you, Fox... Thank you for everything. Yours, Chameleon."

Fox smirked slightly, shaking his head just a bit. He could get another doughnut card if he wanted, it was amazing how many cops had those things one them. He pushed the twenty into his pocket, more because there was no way to give it back, holding the card and letter a moment just a moment more before sliding them into the pocket as well. He left the half open doorway then, letting the door close behind him. Now to get his bearings, shouldn't be too hard, and get to Stone.