Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine, except for Aurora, Granite and Serpentine, and the weapons I gave to Orion, plus her name. But the character itself remains Marvel's. Plot is mine though.

Throughout story: " " = Speech ' ' = Thoughts ^ ^ = Telepath

Yuh, it was intense! That's the effect I tried to create and I'm damn glad it did!! XD

Chapter 32

The rain had gradually calmed since Storm revived the air of brutal weather. The Blackbird flew steadily along a clear sky, the horizon welcoming a fiery orb of the sun as dawn lifted to bring a new day upon this cursed world. Scott was seated at the front of the jet, easily gliding the powerful jet across the flaming sky. It passed by slowly, for the mutants inside the plane were active.

Rogue had been placed upon a metal table that had been lifted from the jet's floor by controls. Blankets were tucked to her chin, heat insulating and passing through her still lifeless body. Storm came over, coming to a halt beside Rogue's makeshift bed. A gloved hand rested gently at Rogue's cheek whilst a digit lifted a lid.

The eye beneath was largely dilated and it stared off hopelessly at the surroundings. To this, Storm sighed, lifting back the blankets to inspect Rogue's form, "She has no wounds." Remarked the African mutant, accent running with her words.

From one side of the jet, sat on a bench nursing his foot, Logan replied. Speaking for the first time since he had returned to the jet, "I know." He muttered softly.

"It miraculous!" Cried Kurt, now joining the table, "We heard d'gunfire, and we 'ave nein injuries!"

Logan snorted abruptly, causing Aurora to look round from her belted seat.

"What's this in my foot then?"

"But it come out, you can heal Wolverine." Explained Kurt.

"The bullet ain't comin' out." Complained Logan mildly, now shoving an index finger into the hole in his foot, wiggling to try and extract the bullet. Unfortunately blood flooded from the wound and ran down his ankle.

A series of disgusted groans lined the jet, a suddenly pale-faced Storm looking elsewhere. Logan just gave an impatient sigh, with a swift sound claws erected from his left knuckle. Much to sickened noises of his teammates he placed a nimble slice across his foot, wincing softly, but the bloodied bullet toppled out as the wound was expanded, and within a few seconds the skin healed up and left just a red stained foot.

"I can't find anything wrong with her." Commented Storm, turning away from Logan, her eyes glancing down upon the silent girl.

"Look, I'll just - " Began Logan stepped over and undoing his gloves.

"No!" Replied Storm vigorously, "It could be anything, I don't think it would be a good idea. She's not just unconscious, I think she had been poisoned."

"Poisoned?" Questioned a voice from the front of the jet.

Heads turned to Scott, who was still flying the plane. "Yes. Poisoned. Like, some sort of sleeping draft. I feel it should wear off. I'm just hoping that we don't need an antidote for it.." Storm faded away gently, sighing as she watched Rogue, who remained in silence.

"Perhaps we should contact the Professor?" Asked Aurora quietly, glancing up to the group from her seat, "He might at least be able to express his opinion."

"Yes.. get him would you Scott?" Called Storm down to their team leader.

Scott gave a nod, "Will do." He leant forward, pressing several buttons before he lifted an ear piece, "Contacting him now.." A few seconds passed tensely, the jet in silence.

"He's not replying." Said Scott, a note of panic in his voice, retrying by pressing another button.

"He might be asleep or somethin'." Commented Logan roughly, taking another seat on the bench.

"No! It contacts his telepath, he should receive it!"

Storm ran to the front, slipping into her own pilot seat, "Fasten up the table! Do up seat belts!" She cried, the remaining X-Men responded hurriedly. Kurt threw belts over the table, which Rogue was laid upon, fastening them down hurriedly before he teleported into his own seat. Logan had dropped into his seat too, belts clicking shut, locking them safely in.

"We've got to get back to the Mansion, there's something wrong." Said Scott, notifying the X-Men.

"How long should it take us?" Asked Aurora, peering anxiously over to front seats. "Another hour." Said Storm painstakingly, shaking her head, "Come on Scott, get full throttle on the engines."

The jet suddenly shuddered from its slow gliding and abruptly exploded into speed, passing through the sky at a roaring pace, mutants pressed back to their seats, the jet cutting through the atmosphere expertly.

*** To view pictures and detailed profiles of my created characters, visit: (www.freewebs.com/xwotw)

Will they get there in time to help the students?? D: