Disclaimer: Well, it's the shortest chapter in the story. Well, excluding the prologue and epilogue, that is. Anyway, there is only one more chapter and an epilogue after this, I think. Then we'll think about my sequel. Although, I only have, maybe, three fans. Oh, well, it doesn't matter. Oh, yeah, Pyro-hi, I wouldn't mind doing a fanfiction with you. It sounds a little complicated, but it sounds cool. (disappears mysteriously) stupid anti-asterisks
Xavier looked around the plane. His wish of no injuries had not been granted. Cory had developed some sort of horrible cough and lay unconscious next to Lorenzo. Packrat had obtained a few cuts and burns. Rahne was cradling Roberto in her arms, while next to her, Ruben held Sarah in his lap. Both Roberto and Sarah were still unconscious. Kyle had received a mighty slash across his arm and Max had gained a nasty looking bite. Aaron had apparently shattered his shoulder in his encounter with Photon.
Mosquito and Pyro had brought an unconscious, but otherwise healthy Amara into the plane escorted by Max and Kyle. Neither Mosquito or Pyro had seemed to have put up a fight, for Pyro had a dazed, faraway look in his eyes and Mosquito was too smart to attempt a scuffle with Max or Kyle. The two Brotherhood members had been followed by Nightmare and Melanie, who had suddenly found herself in an embrace from Shawn.
"Ah, well, don't know what came over me," he had said, turning a deep shade of scarlet, "Just happy that the team survived."
This comment had been followed by a snort of painful laughter from his brother.
"Um, I suppose that, uh, we ought to be going," Mosquito said nervously.
He hovered from the plane, dragging Pyro along with him.
"How about you, Steve," Xavier turned to Nightmare.
"Er, I," Nightmare seemed uncomfortable at being addressed by his real name, "I don't think I can go back."
"Very well," Xavier turned to Scott and Storm, "We should be on our way. The sooner we get back, the sooner we can treat our students' injuries."
Everyone buckled their seatbelts and prepared for the takeoff. Jean leaned over to Sam.
"Sam, what happened to Nucleo?" she asked.
"I lost him when I landed," Sam explained, "I tried to find him, but he just seemed like he disappeared."
"It's alright," Jean said comfortingly, "If you couldn't find him, Magneto won't be able to find him either."
The Brotherhood lay scattered around the huge pile of burning rubble. Pyro sat, mesmerized, watching the flames with a slight grin on his face. Many of the mutants were rubbing their heads. Paste was lying on the ground mumbling about his back. Sabretooth was examining his scorched hair.
"Where's Magneto?" Mosquito asked Massacre.
"He left," Massacre replied scornfully, "Left us here to burn."
"Oh, um, right," Mosquito hadn't really expected such a negative answer, "I suppose I'll take roll call."
After a few moments, he muttered, "Everyone's here except Nightmare and Magneto."
"Subtract Massacre," Toad mumbled, "He just left."
On the other side of the rubble, a figure with long silver hair walked away towards the darkness. Turning slightly, the moonlight reflected off of his glass eye.