Through Hellfire and Back,

Part 19

Disclaimer: X-men Evolution is the property of Marvel and Kids WB. All the characters in this story are the property of Marvel, although, once again, some have been slightly Evolution-fied for this story.

Enjoy!

*********

Rain poured down outside the "L'il old Valley Inn", one of the dankest, darkest motels in all of Snow Valley, home to many a black shadowed spider and confident cockroach alike. Poor lighting, hard beds, dirty floors and cracked walls were all that showed in bedrooms small enough to be walk-in closets. The cracked glass by the open window was filthy; how any guest could see out when it was closed was a mystery. Rust on a steel frame, squeaky springs, a well worn-in mattress and shaggy blanket with thin pillow made up the sleeping area, while a small table and old lamp rested beside. There was a bathroom across the hall, although in all honesty how anyone could manage to get clean, let alone feel comfortable bathing in such a.... unique shower environment was anyone's guess. The floors creaked. The pipes dripped. Upon opening the door with a small key, a large, hideously large, and mean-looking black rat with fangs like needles could be seen scurrying towards a hole in the wall. Meanwhile, the owner, a woman so old and senile it was a wonder she managed to stay upright, had smiled and proclaimed how nice it was that "Mr. Fluffy" had decided to stay.

Welcome to the L'il old Valley Inn, the cheapest motel in all of Snow Valley. Positive proof that there's at least one building inspector out there who takes bribes..... or hasn't the heart to close down his Ma's favorite business. It was dark, it was depressing, and it was disgusting.

Overall, Lance felt right at home.

Despite it's numerous faults, the earth shaker had been rather relieved to discover it, tucked away next to an old-style bar and a mechanic's shop. After all, it offered all he needed: a dry place to sleep, with a roof overhead, at a price even he could afford. It wasn't great, but, as he attempted to fluff up the pillow slightly, it would do as a place to stay for as long as he was in town. Although, he had to hand it to the caretaker: she operated a place which actually made Brotherhood central look clean.

Shooting one last unnerving glance towards Mr. Fluffy's home, Lance plopped down on the bed, sprawling out on his back, head to the feathered bag. Rain continued to poor down outside, with such speed that the brown-haired teen felt an urge to scan the room, and make certain there were no ceiling leaks for the cold water to drip down through. He doubted it; supposedly there was another floor above him, but with a place such as this one never knew.

Finding nothing, he closed his eyes, listening to the sounds outside. Drip drip drip.... drip drip splash..... splash, splash crash. Ah, a storm worthy of the X-man herself. Good thing he'd put the tarp over his jeep.

As the rain continued to fall, the sounds continued to grow louder, echoing throughout the building. Sleep wasn't going to come easy this night.

But then, Lance didn't need the rain to tell him that.

Absently, he opened his eyes, shifting slightly as he pulled out his wallet. Ignoring driver's license and Blockbuster cards, he pulled out a small picture he kept tucked away, with him no matter where he went. He had a few pictures like it actually, although most were tacked-up on a wall in his room back in Bayville.

It was a picture of himself.

A picture of himself and Kitty Pryde.

A picture of Kitty's smile.

Laying back on the bed, Lance stared at the photo. It had been taken at the ghoul Mesmero's Circus of Mystery, before the mutant mind master had packed up and left for greener pastures, only to use his powers on the unsuspecting mind of Jean Grey. It had taken a little bit of talking, but he had managed to convince Kitty to join him alongside at the carnival. In the end, it had proven to be a foolish thing to do that night: not long after they left the ferris wheel a storm, much like the one outside now, had let loose as both mutants found themselves waterlogged beyond belief. However, before the rain, he had taken one of the few people he'd ever cared about out for a little excitement, a little relaxation and a little fun.

He was glad she said yes.

Lance could remember every moment of that night. Splitting a cotton candy. Sitting on the carrousel. Getting their picture taken together. Watching the Circus acts, and splitting a delicious bag of fresh popcorn on the bleachers. There was a toy, a stuffed animal he had tried to win for Kitty- throwing hoops over a target. Pity it hadn't been knocking down milk bottles; Lance's aim had been terrible, and in the end all he walked away with was an oversized novelty comb. Still, Kitty had taken it all in light humor, giggling as she took his arm, took his arm and told him she appreciated the effort.

When the storm hit, she had suggested sharing a newspaper over their heads until they found a tent for cover. Lance bent down and Kitty pressed in close, shameless smiles as they tried to avoid the continues downpour. The rainwater had been cold, but with her Lance had felt nothing but warmth. Looking into the pools of her soft blue eyes, her smile which was sunshine in itself, drifting closer and closer..... until Pietro, the speed-crazed maniac, zipped past and splashed them with a gigantic puddle's wave. She hadn't been too happy about that and he was forced to drive her home soon afterwards, the evening at an end. But, as he pulled up to the mansion, she surprised him, kissing his cheek and thanking him for taking her. He drove home in a daze that evening, and dreamed about her all night.

It was so easy then. Mystique had left them, mutants were unknown to the world. Despite the constant chaos each live in, they still seemed as innocent as they could be.

And now it could be over. A rift had sprung upon them, so fast Lance feared he didn't know how to close it.

A drop of water trickled down his cheek, unchecked. Lance put the photo back in his wallet, determination returning to his features. He was going to figure out how to win her back, and he was going to remain where he was until he did so. His eyes closed once more, and this time the sand man made his visit, as the sounds of snoring emanated in the room soon afterwards.

Lance was unaware of the green eyes that had watched him from outside the window, or the small form which had silently slipped into the room. A hiss split the air, and there was the slight sound of scurrying, before the quiet was restored.

With Mr. Fluffy firmly in it's grasp, the deep grey shadow leapt upon the windowsill, and shaking at sight of the rain, returned into the night.