Through Hellfire and Back,

Part 27

Disclaimer: X-men Evolution is the property of Marvel and Kids WB. All the characters in this story are the property of Marvel and Kids WB.

Enjoy!

*********


Thankfully, as the lower levels building collapsed, no one above was hurt,or scratched for that matter. Evidentially, as the X-men later discovered at Kitty's recollection, the adamantium door was only part of the heavy-handed construction. Had they been able to better catch sight of some of the interior lining as they walked down to the basement, and later phased out, they would have noticed level of shock absorption paneling and load-baring posts, all aligned at different angles, which allowed the club to remain aloft and unharmed even as the training area came down in on itself. The posts also provided archways which enabled the escape tunnels the White Queen and her students used to escape. Kitty would have advised to use the tunnels as well, however with the lack of time, it was difficult enough to get everyone out, let alone work through such a sophisticated system while avoiding the inevitable lining boob-traps.

Besides, with her own method, she was able to get everyone out safely to the back alley where all regrouped and reassessed their situation. That was enough.

The bad news was, the White Queen had gotten away, still as dangerous as ever. Worse, she was as pissed off as any hellcat now, and no doubt wouldn't forget the X-men's part in foiling her plans.

The good news was, her ace in the hole, Kitty Pryde, former Phantomclaw and returned Shadowcat, was no longer a part of those plans. A fact the X-men, and one particularly happy Brotherhood member, were ecstatic over.

"All right K-girl!" Evan smirked as he gave her the high five. "Way to save all out butts!"

"Hey, you guys came all this way out for me, fair's fair." Kitty blinked and turned towards Scott and Jean. "Thank you."

Scott waved her off. "Hey, never leave a man behind, remember? You're a part of this team Kitty, not matter where you go."

Kurt ported in front of her, and hugged, preferring the nonverbal gustier to any spoken word. Kitty hugged back.

"We're glad to have you back Kitty." Professor Charles Xavier extended a hand, which was readily caught, and for a moment, held.

"It's good to BE back, Professor." The hesitance in her voice made Xavier pear over her face with speculation. Yes, she was glad to be free again, but it was clear that the ordeal had drained her, physically, emotionally, mentally. It would be a long time, he speculated, before Shadowcat would be back to normal.

Fortunately, she had friends who would be there to help her.

"You gave us the jump there girl." Logan tucked a finger under her chin, then opened his arms accepting the fierce hug that followed. Almost under his breath with a smile, he uttered into her ear, "Now don't you dare go scaring me like that again."

Kitty stepped back and smiled softly. "I won't Mr. Logan, promise."

"So how are you feeling?" Jean placed a hand on Kitty's shoulder, her concern and worried expression echoing throughout the rest of the X-men.

"Huh, where do I begin?" Kitty closed her eyes, and raised a hand to her head. "Major, like, headache factor. It's all still working its way out in there."

"Then we should probably go so that you can recover properly." Storm suggested.

"Indeed, Ororo." The professor agreed, then averted his attention to the un-uniformed youth standing to the side. "Lance," Xavier wheeled over to him, offering up a hand. "I- We owe you a great debt today. I don't suppose we can make it up to you by offering you a ride home?"

"Nahhh." Lance waved him off. "Me + Flying= sick, remember? 'Sides, I've gotta get my jeep back anyway; a little road time won't kill me."

Recalling Lance's problems with the flight stimulator during his brief stay at the mansion, a collective chuckle hit the group. "In that case, Kitty if you'd like we can leave immediately. I can send for your possessions once we're back in Bayville."

Kitty however, took a step back from the group towards the wayward earth shatterer, shaking her head.

"Actually Professor, there's someone else I'd like to hitch a ride with right now." Lance beamed as Kitty- HIS Kitty- placed a hand on his shoulder, and peered up into his eyes. "If that's all right with you I mean. I have a lot of.... stuff going through my mind right now, and I, I think maybe some time in a long drive might help me sort it out."

Lance placed his arm around her, hugging her close. "For you Pretty-Kitty, anything."

"Am beginning to understand why that name from Sneaky-bad-boy really piss you off. Is suppose to have connection to other person."

"Sharon....." Kitty turned as Lance released his grip. She'd momentarily forgotten the girl who'd given up so much. Shadowcat had the X-men, but Catseye? She reached out and placed a hand on the young girl's shoulder. "Will you be all right? Is there anything I can do for you? I mean, those people in there... maybe Frost wasn't the best of them, but the Hellions... they were your team...."

"Some team." Sharon snorted in half disgust. "Sneaky-bad-boy and Lucky-girl. Ice-teacher want them, can have. They no treat me as should be treated. I go with other-powers."

"Other powers?" Ororo blinked.

"Of course!" Catseye shot her a big grin. "You people is not like Catseye ever see before! You is people who is nice, and actually care about each other! And Kitty-kat is best friend; you is no leaving without me so can forget!" She pointed a finger at Kitty accusingly. "Besides..." She smirked, peering at Xavier hungrily. "Where else I find good lap?"

With a wink, she morphed into her small furry form, causing looks of surprise all around. With a graceful leap, she landed on Professor Xavier's stationary legs, curling up and giving a soft "Mew" in delight.

Jean giggled, and it was all Scott could do not to laugh at the gustier. "Well professor," he crooked a half-smile, "Think she'd got what it takes?"

Xavier couldn't help but smile at the attention, reaching down to stroke the small feline-girl on her ears. "I suppose there's always room for another at our Institute."

Evan stifled a guffaw. "The other kids are gonna love this, Jamie and Tabitha have always been saying they want a pet!"

Logan snorted. "So long as I an't the one changing the kitty litter." He gave a hitchhiker motion to parts behind them. "Come on, what say we head back." The other X-men all nodded in agreement and started leaving the premisses, but not before giving Kitty one last hug or pat on the shoulder.

Rogue was the last to leave, giving a careful hug, mindful that their skin didn't touch, before joining the rest of the team. "See you in Bayville real soon." Gloved hands on her roommate's shoulders, she winked. "An' careful you two don't get lost on the way. Ah know it'll be tempting, but remember, there's a whole buncha folks back at the Institute who'll be wanting to see you back safe and sound." She smirked. "'Sides, after all this, ah can guarantee, it'll be a long time before you go anywhere without another X-man on yer back."

Kitty blushed, stifling a giggle. "Maybe we should take the long way back then, huh?"

Rogue gave her a shrewd smile, then raced off to rejoin the team.

Alone at last, Lance looked down at the blue eyed girl on his right, tentatively moving his arm from her shoulder to grasp her hand, giving a slight squeeze.

He was delighted when she squeezed back.

The sweet smell of her ponytail beneath his nostrils as he bent down and kissed her forehead, the tall youth used his free hand to point her chin towards him. In a husky voice, he asked "Well, where to Pretty-Kitty?"

Kitty's eyes half closed in contentment, as she reached up and brushed his lips with her own, before sinking in to a slow, deep kiss. When she finally pulled back, she was smiling.

"Lance, let's go home."