Chapter Fourteen A Misunderstanding And A Threat

Mortimer woke from a fitful sleep, the almost familiar feel of burns racing over his body. Dr. McCoy was there, leaning worriedly over him. "Welcome back." He muttered. Toad was, once again, bound to the hospital bed. He turned to see Rogue lying in th cot to his left. She seemed alright.

"I have to see the Professor." He said, his urgency fighting itself through the feverish pain.

"I am here, Mortimer." Said Xavier, wheeling in to his line of view. Beast adjusted the bed's controls so that he sat almost upright, now able to observe the room around him.

"Why did you try to escape, Toad?" asked McCoy, disapproving.

"Didn't try to-" he said, closing his eyes for a moment, trying to keep a grip on consciousness. He needed to tell them- to clear his name in the least- "Someone in the woods."

"Oh my." Said Beast, as Mortimer welcomed the pressure of sleep. "Professor, it seems that…Ororo might have jumped the gun." The two exchanged grave looks. The amphibian had been trying to…help? New and angry burns joined their now healed brethren, and these new ones were ill-begotten.

"He has developed a sensitivity to electricity. Even though it was a minor attack…he should be out of commission for the next day or so.

"What about Rogue?"

"She should be fine- she's just suffering from a bit of over work."

"The poor man." Said Beast, shaking his head sadly.

"I will need to talk with Ororo about this." Said Xavier solemnly. "Please stay here and watch over him."

"Ororo, please come to my office."

Moments later, the white-haired weather witch stood in front of him, looking mildly smug. Xavier took a breath, and looked her in the eye.

"I understand you attacked Mr. Toynbee." He said, calmly.

"I did, but not without grounds. You said he was trying to escape."

"But he was already subdued by Rogue, correct?"

"Yes, but…"

"Leave the punishment up to us, Ms. Munroe. You almost killed him."

"Maybe it would be better off that way." She said solemnly.

"What do you mean?"

"He's trouble. I can feel it."

"We cannot tolerate abuse on assumptions. I cannot punish you, because you aren't a student. But I can say this: One more attack and I will be forced to have you leave for the safety of others." Ororo nodded curtly and left in a huff. That's what I get for trying to help. She thought savagely, knowing that the Professor could hear her.