Joseph McKinley: Thanks for reading! Thanks for the complement on my OC., and I hope you keep reading! Thanks!
Red Witch: Thanks! I figgered Fred was a natural 'Big Bopper' so why not! LOL! Glad you enjoyed it, I tried to give a 50's detective movie feel. My version of a costume party for the students. Thanks!
Chapter 13 – The Bonfire of the Insanities
Bayville Grocery Store, late Saturday morning
The girls from the Institute had decided to handle the shopping and food prep for the bonfire the kids were throwing tonight, a last hurrah before school started up again. It beat collecting all the wood needed for an all night bonfire and hauling it to the stables. Jean, Rahne, Jubilee, Rogue, Kitty, and Paige were walking though the grocery pushing three carts already loaded with goodies.
"Do you think we have enough graham crackers?" Kitty wondered. "Kurt said s'mores were like a favorite of his. He likes peanut butter on his, along with chocolate and marshmallows."
"'He likes peanut butter on his, blah, blah, blah, Kurt, Kurt, Kurt..." Jubilee imitated. "You got blue demon on the brain, girl. Blahph!" She pantomimed puking.
"You shouldn't be talking!", Kitty exclaimed, "I saw you pinch Sam's butt when you two were leaving the kitchen this morning!" She stuck her tongue out at a reddening Jubilee.
"Girls, we are in the middle of a public grocery store in a town where people think we're weird enough as it is!" admonished Jean.
"You're one to talk," pouted Jubilee, "Ms. 'I'll studying with Scott in his room'. What do you guys study, headboard repair?" Jubes suddenly tripped over nothing, stumbling slightly.
"Scott happens to be helping me with my human biology summer project!" Jean said, regretting it as soon as the others burst out laughing. She started giggling too, that had been a silly thing to say. "Oh my God, I can't believe I said that."
"Jean, can I ask you a question" Kitty said, putting three family packs of wieners and one of veggie dogs in a cart.
"Always, Kitty." Jean replied.
"Well, can you like 'link' us all up so it's just between us girls?"
'Sure.' Jean said across the telepathic link she set between the group of girls.
'What's it feel like, you know, when you...well...you know...?' Kitty asked, holding an ear of corn.
'Yeah, tell us, Red, I been dying to ask ye meself!' Rahne thought.
Jean stopped right in the middle of the produce section. She looked at the other girls, who were all staring at her in anticipation. 'I'm not so sure I should answer that. Maybe you should talk to Ms. Munroe about it.' she answered.
'Oh come on Jeanie, ya know it's not that easy. Ask Storm 'bout stuff like that? Ah'd be too scared that she would tell Dr. McCoy or the Professor! Or God fahbid Mr. Logan!' Rogue looked at Jean with a 'Come on!' expression.
Jean turned to Paige, the youngest. 'Will it bother you if I talk about this Paige?'
Paige did a mental impersonation of Pappy. 'I'm 14, lassie, I'm not deed yet!' All the girls smiled at that.
'Ok. How does it feel? Well......I'll put it this way. The first few times, its......interesting. Then, to be honest, it feels wonderful.' Jean smiled, beginning to blush a little.
'Does it hurt?' Rahne asked.
'Well, I think it's different for every girl, but no, not really. Well, I take that back. It's kind of like getting into a steaming hot shower. It stings a little, but then it makes you feel great.' Jean thought back.
'That makes sense,' thought Jubilee, 'it sounds......nice. When did you first do it?'
'That's none of your business, Jubilee,' Jean reflected, 'but it was about a year and a half or so. Scott was so sweet. He almost acted scared.'
'Fearless Leada?! Sceered?!' Rogue was bug eyed. 'Sceered ah what?'
'I shouldn't say any more. Discussion over, except to say all of you except for maybe Rogue are too young anyway.' Jean broke the link.
"Ain't gonna happen nohow..." mumbled Rogue.
"I'm sorry Rogue, I didn't think of it like that." Jean apologized.
"Don't fret, Jeanie, ah understand." Rogue smiled her wistful smile.
The Institute, wooded area, late Saturday morning"This stinks! We could have gone shopping, and let the girls gather wood. You know, equal rights and all!" Bobby whined, dropping some braches into the back of a doolie truck the Institute had. "I mean, almost the last day of vacation, and we're workin' like dogs!"
"Aw, quit ya bellyachin', Frosty, it ain't so bad. Jest think a the fun we'll have tahnight!" Sam quipped.
"Yesss!' hissed Kurt. "Ve vill be eating s'mores, an Veinies, an singing songs, dancing! It vill be awesome!" He cut a little back flip.
"Show off!" Freddie yipped, throwing more logs into the truck. "But I hear ya loud and clear elfie! Plenty of good eats tonight! Yeehaw!"
"Yeah," a Jaime said, "I think I might ask your sister to dance tonight, Sammy."
"Yeah, she's real cute, and easy to talk to." Another Jaime said, coming around the truck.
"Maybe she'll gimme a kiss!" A 3rd Jaime giggled, bringing another load of sticks.
"Huh?!" Sam spat. "Why, Ah outta dot ya eye, talkin' 'bout mah sissy that way!"
"Havta catch me first!" the Jaimes yelled, running back into the wooded area in different directions. "Run an run as fast as you can, can't catch me, I'm the Multiple Man!"
Freddie was laughing his head off, until Sam gave him a look of danger. "Hey, he's the one who said it, not me! I'm sweet Freddie Dukes, I wouldn't touch your sister!"
"You sayin' she's ugly?!" Sam huffed.
Freddie grabbed his head, moaning, and waddled off to find some more deadwood.
"You are going to have to deal with this," Kurt toned, "You're little schwester is not so little anymore. And, if I do say so myself, she is a very pretty young frauline."
"Shut it." Sam deadpanned.
"Think of it this way, Sammy, if Jubes 'ad a brother, he'd have to put up with you." Mally surmised. "And as far as the age thing goes, didn't you 'ave crushes on girls when you were 14?"
"Nope. Never. No Way. Nada." Sam declined. "Besides, me and Jubilee are jest friends."
"Ho-ho, I think not, mein freund, I saw her pinching your bum this morning at breasfast." Kurt laughed. "I am your 'friend', but I vill never be pinching your bum!"
"Pinching whos bum?" Scott asked, bringing a load in with Forge, using an anti-gravity flatbed Forge had designed.
"Yeah, what the heck are you guys talking about? Do I even want to know?" said Forge.
"Ve are talking about Sam's cute little sister, who is getting not so little anymore."
Sam stuck his fingers in his ears. "Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya,......"
"Jaime's got a crush on her." Bobby explained.
"Jaime pinched Paige's butt?" Scott exclaimed.
"No, one-eye," Bobby laughed, "Jubilee pinched Sam's at breakfast."
"Lucky man!" said Forge. "I wish some girl would pinch my butt. Or any body part, for that matter."
Sam blushed. "Quit talkin' 'bout mah butt, ya'll."
"Come on guys, we gotta get some wood." Scott said, regretting it as soon as the others burst out laughing.
Mally was beside himself. "'Get some wood'! Scott said 'Get some WOOD'!"
Scott tried to put on a stern look, but couldn't hold it, watching Kurt roll around on the ground holding his belly. He smiled. "You goons know what I meant. Come on, lets get back to work."
"You mean, 'get wood', boss?" Forge said, causing them all to bust out laughing again.
"Yeah, yeah, 'get wood', I hear you." Scott said wiping a tear from under his sunglasses. "Ok, we gotta get two more truck loads, so lets go."
They went back into the woods, shouting 'I got wood!' everytime they picked up a branch. Forge spun the floating flatbed around. "Hey Scott..."
"Yes? What's up?" Scott asked.
"What's it like? You know, what's IT like?" Forge was looking right at him.
Scott thought about it for a second. "It's incredible, Forge, incredible."
The Institute, the Stables, near lunchtimeLogan was looking thru the CD's the kids had put in a box to play at the bonfire. He had just finished setting up a little PA system. Ororo was finishing placing tables for food nearby, using controlled wind to move them. She walked over to Logan.
"Some of these groups are awful," Logan moaned, "I mean, the Backstreet Boys? Gotta be Kitty's – yep, theres her initials. An look here, some group called NIN from Rogue. Never heard of 'em."
"I believe that stands for 'Nine Inch Nails' Logan. You ought to like that name." Ororo smirked.
"Funn-nie, 'Ro, so funny I forgot ta laugh. Wait, here we go," smiled Logan, "The Kentucky Headhunters and two albums by Hank Junior from Sam. Good boy..."
"Redneck party music does not appeal to everyone Logan, you have to let them play all types. Don't be such a stick in the mud." chided Ororo.
"Redneck? You just don't know good music, lady. Ah, here we go – Mally picked some AC/DC, good, some INXS, ok, and some group called Hunters and Gatherers. Typically Aussie. AC/DC does rock though."
"Yes," Ororo agreed, "I am particularly fond of their song 'Thunderstruck'. It's great for workouts."
"You would, weather witch," laughed Logan. "You gonna save a spot on yer dance card for me, 'Ro?"
"Why Logan, I didn't know you were a dancer." Ororo was amazed.
"Sure, when the mood strikes me, which ain't often. But I'll dance with ya tonight. It'll freak the kids out." Logan smiled. "The question is, can you keep up with me?"
Ororo stood with her hands on her hips. "Logan, young Kurt may look like a demon, but I think you ARE one."
Logan just smiled his biggest feral grin.
The Institute, the kitchen, lunchtime
The girls walked into the kitchen, followed by a long line of grocery bags, floating in two's. The bags drifted in, setting themselves down on the counter. Kitty looked at Jubilee, who looked at Jean. "You are coming shopping with us from now on." Jubilee giggled.
"Well, I didn't want to carry these in by hand, and Scott and the boys are just getting the last load of wood dropped at the stables, so I did the next best thing.
"Works fer me, Jeanie!" Rahne said, jumping to grap a bag with corn chips in it. "Me arms and me tummy thank you!"
"How do ya stay so tiny?" Paige asked the little redhead, who was wolfing down handfuls of chips. "Ah jest look at food and mah butt gets bigger."
The girls laughed.
"Let's see," stated Rogue, "We got thangs to get ta. We need to make chips an salsa, chips an dip, and a veggie platter. Also, we gotta make a cold cut tray, and cook us up some chicken wangs. An somebody's gotta make the hamburger and natureburger patties."
Well, I'm with Rahne," Jubilee spoke, "I'm hungry. Lets make ourselves some sandwiches, then get started."
The girls agreed. They started unloading the bags, making club sandwiches during the process.
Rogue and Paige said that they would do the wings and burgers. "You yankee types would jest mess it anyhow.", smirked Paige.
"Fine," Jean scoffed, "but I will make the cold cut platter. Because no one makes a hoagie like a true yankee!" she said, throwing a pickle chip at Rogue.
"Oh, my," Rogue drawled, pulling the pickle off her face, "it's on now!"
The Institute, the Gatehouse, mid afternoon"Me Wolvie said to figger out a way fer us to get some spirits to this gala without the Guv'nuh findin' out." Pappy mumbled to himself. "I also gots ta git me hair chopped, accordin' to him. Like he has any room ta speak!" he proclaimed, pointing into the air as he spoke. Pappy looked kind of like a cartoon version of that gray wizard in the Lord of the Rings, but skinnier. "The Dr. Beastie don't have to get his hair cut off, I wager. Fine, then. Me thinks I'll use this card Wolvie gave me to pick up some party clothes too. Hmph!" Pappy climbed into the little Cooper Logan said he could take to town, and scooted away. He was singing 'Henry the 8th' at the top of his voice.
The Institute, the stable yard, mid afternoonThe boys had rode the truck down the road to a diner between the Institute and town for lunch. They had come back and started building the bonfire in the stable yard, away from the stalls as not to spook the horses. Logan and Ororo's tables were about twenty feet behind them.
Kurt, Mally, and Forge had dug a shallow pit and surrounded it with small stones Kurt teleported in from the lakefront. Fred and a host of Jaimes had laid brush and small sticks in the bottom of the pit for tinder.
Bobby, Scott, and Sam then stacked the bigger branches and logs up. It looked like a giant wooden teepee, ready to blaze. Later that night, Scott would start it up with a low power shot from his visor.
Logan had brought the bar-b-que trailer in, and placed it over b the flood tables. Freddie was helping him. "See here, bub, this is a GrillMeister 6000, with a large cooking area, and two gas burners here, for beans and chili and stuff. If ya want, I'll show ya how to cook a perfect burger tonight." Logan boasted.
"Okey dokey, then I'll show you how to EAT the perfect burger, Mr. Logan!" Freddie laughed. "Hey Mr. Logan?"
"Yeah, bub, what's up?"
"Tonight, let's you and me challenge everybody to a tug o' war. I been practicing with my powers in the danger room like you showed me, and I bet we could take them. Please?"
Logan ruffled the kids hair. "Been runnin' the 'immovable object' program eh?" Freddie nodded. "Yeah, bub, you spred the word. Let 'em know they're in for it." Logan smiled as Freddie tried to suck in his gut and puff up, to no avail.
Kurt , Mally, and Forge were sitting on the corral fence talking. "Vhat are you going to vear tonight?" Kurt asked.
"I dunno, me kilt, I guess, and me AC/DC hoodie." Mally mused. "Maybe me hat, if it's chilly." He looked at Forge.
"I think just some cargos and a flannel shirt. Oh, and my lace up boots, of course. No big whoop, it's only a bonfire, not a black tie affair." Forge said.
"But I have to look good for Kätzchen!" Kurt was always nervous about this or that with Kitty.
Sam walked over. "Vhat are you vearing tonight, Sam?" Kurt asked.
"I 'spose mah jeans and boots, and some kinda shirt." Sam replied. "Why, you freakin' out about wearin' sumthin' Kitty will like?" he chided.
"Ja," sighed Kurt, "VHY do I worry so about it? Vhat is vrong with me?!"
"You're in luuuvvvvv, that's why, ha-ha!" said Freddie, coming over to them. "Just wear something you're not afraid to get dirty. Me an Mr. Logan are gonna challenge the whole school to tug o' war, an win too! Yeehaw! I gotta tell the girls!" Freddie waddled off towards the mansion.
"Mein Gott," Kurt said in fear, "I tink the big boy is right."
"What, that just he an Mr. Logan can beat us all at tug o' war? No Way!" said Mally.
"No," wailed Kurt, "that I'm in love!"
Bayville, downtown, mid afternoonPappy stepped out of the barbershop, whistling a merry tune. He had gotten his haircut just like Sean Connery in that movie Pappy had seen, the one with the subs. He had his beard trimmed also, and he looked mighty good, if he don't say so himself. 'I bet all those lassies at the Institute will be fallin' for ole Angus, my what a shame.' He would just have to politely explain to them that the difference in ages was too much. 'A damn shame ta be breakin' so many young hearts!'
"Beggin' pardon, my friend, could ye be pointin' me in the direction of a fine men's ware store?" he asked a gentleman near his age sitting on a public bench. The man gave him directions to Harold's Suits, a shop about two blocks up. Pappy headed that way. As he got to the storefront, he stopped dead in his tracks. There it was, right in the window. A beautiful green, yellow, and black plaid wood sport coat. 'Blimey, it's as if they knew I was comin'...' he thought. He entered the shop, and was approached by a large balding man.
"Hello sir, my name is Louis. How can I assist you this fine afternoon?" the man asked.
"Jest be tellin' me ya got that jacket in the window in a size fer me!" Pappy exclaimed. "It's magnificent plaid. Is it a Scottish wool?"
"Step this way sir, I have one right over here. Yes, I believe it is Scots wool." Louis' heart flipped. He had been trying to get rid of those jackets for months now. His supplier had assured him they were going to be big. Needless to say, he now ordered from a different company. He pulled one off the hanger and helped Pappy put it on. "Theres a mirror to your left sir."
Pappy turned to look. "Begorrah! This is a rich man's jacket, fer certain! Weeeee!" Pappy spun. "How 'bout a nice white shirt, and a frilly yellow ascot to boot! And do ye have any knickers? Money's no object, man, no object!"
Louis smiled. He was an honest businessman, he wouldn't cheat this guy. But he recognized a gold mine when he saw it.
The Institute, Kitty and Jubilee's room, late afternoonThe girls save Jean were in Kitty and Jubilee's big room, getting ready for tonight. Jean was floating the food out to the Stables. Jubilee was standing behind Kitty, braiding her hair. "Well, you oughta at least let him kiss you. I bet his whiskers tickle.", she said, speaking to Rahne. "I hope Sam knows how to dance."
Paige spoke up. "Oh yeah, my brotha can dance. My Momma taught us all how to dance. Some of my family and friends back home pick guitars an such, and they would come over sometimes an we would dance an sing."
"Sounds like fun," Rogue said, "But Ah don't think that's the kinda dancin' Jubes is talkin' 'bout."
"Yeah, Jubilee likes ta shake her bootie." Smirked Rahne.
"Yeah, shake it like a Polaroid pic-cha, oh yeah..." Jubilee sung, moving her bottom. The girls all made faces at her singing.
"OW!" shouted Kitty, "You're pulling my hair! Pay attention, you little rump shaker!"
"Ah don't know Jubilee," Paige laughed, "ole Sammy may surprise ya."
The Institute, Forge's Room, just before party time'I'm going to do it, I swear to the spirits.' Forge thought. 'I don't care if it is supposed to be impossible, I'll figure out a way around it. I didn't get this talent for nothing.', he mused, putting on some cologne. 'I need to have something else in my life than working in the lab anyway.' He stood in the mirror, fussed with his hair a bit. "Yup, tonight's the night, big chief wampum. You claim squaw!"
The Institute, the Stable yard, just before party timeLogan fiddled with the grill, letting it warm up. Jean, using her power, had brought the food up earlier, so all was in place. He heard footsteps approaching, and looked up. "Holy Mother of God..." he muttered. Pappy was strutting his way, wearing perhaps the ugliest get up Logan had ever seen. Plaid coat, yellow ascot, olive knickers and socks, and brown boots. He had also gotten his hair and beard trimmed, but that looked Ok. It was the suit, possibly louder than a Motorhead concert, and defiantly uglier.
"Hope you didn't pay for that get up, ya old coot." Logan growled.
"I dint! You did, Wolvie me lad, and thankee, I've never looked better!" squawked Pappy, twirling his cane like Chaplin. "Lovely chap in town helped me put it together. Ladies beware!"
"You put that crud on my credit card?!" Logan inquired. "How much?"
"Don't know, and don't care! If ye be makin' me cut me hair, ye be buyin' me a new suit to go with it!" Pappy stated, looking defiant. "You and the Beastie don't have ta cut ye hair, and yer both hairy mongrels!" He stamped his cane for emphisis. "Hmph!"
Logan just stared at him, thinking. Slowly, a smile sread on his face, growing to a full grin. Then, he burst out laughing.
"It's worth it, just seein' ya in that suit! Chuck will pee his pants!" Logan bellowed, smacking his knees. "This one's on me Pappy!"
"Wait!" Pappy cried, "I almost misremembered! I got these blokes too!" Pappy pulled two half pint bottles out of the jacket pockets. The label said: 'Jack Daniels Meat Marinade'.
"I already had the girls ta spice up the burgers this morning Pappy." Logan said, confused.
"No laddie, ye keep these at yer grill, and get yerself a cup o' cola. Then pour a little Jack Daniels Whiskey in from one o' these bottles! The Gov'nuh will be none the wiser!" Pappy giggled.
Logan got it. "Good thinking, Pappy! Pretty crafty for an old coot!"
Pappy tapped his head. "Yep, the old bean still works fine. Now, lemme hold one of your cigars, sir."
The students met in the entrance hall of the mansion just as it was getting dark. They all walked up to the Stables en masse, along with the Professor, Hank and Ororo. Xavier was in his Battle Chair, to handle the terrain.
Everyone was excited, talking about this and that, how hungry they were, can't wait to hear which songs you picked out, and the fun they were going to have tonight. They came to the stable yard. Mally got a look at his Father.
"Crikey, where the hell did he get those clothes? And that haircut? He looks like Sean Connery, after he joins the circus!" he said, shaking his head. "I shoulda left him in the outback."
"No, he looks adorable!" squeaked Rahne, giggling. "A very dapper dan!"
"See, Logan," Pappy smirked, "I told ye they couldn't resist me."
The Professor covered a grin, while Ororo laughed out loud.
"I love it Mr. O'Bryanson," she said, "You must save a dance for me."
Pappy just rocked on his heels, beeming. "Of course, my dearie."
The Professor addressed the group. "Students, tonight is the last night of your Summer vacation. Soon school will resume." They all groaned. The Professor smiled. "So, as I have heard said, 'Tonight we're going to party like it's 1999. Enjoy!" The students all laughed, then Kurt and Freddie said in unison: "Let's EAT!"
"Wait!" Scott said, holding up his hand. He turned to the bonfire pile, reaching up to his visor.
!ZAP!
The wood caught fire and blazed up, due in part to the lighter fluid Logan had put on it earlier. The student cheered, moving to the tables.
Then they ate. And ate. And ate. And ATE. Logan had had about 30 burgers and 30 weiners ready to go, and they diappeared. He threw more on, watching Freddie finish his 3rd burger. "Don't get too full Fred, we gotta beat these goons, remember?" Logan joked.
"Don't worry, Mr. Logan, I don't think I can get full! We'll get 'em!" Freddie said, his mouth full.
Kurt was making a dagwood sandwich that was at least a foot high. Mally looked at it.
"You can't eat that mate, it won't fit in ya gullet!"
"Quiet!" Kurt kidded. "Let ze master create!"
They all had their way with the big spred of food. Even Rahne had two hamburgers, which was a lot for her.
"Yer gonna pop, dingo." Mally said patting her on the tummy. "Don't let it go ta ya hips, now."
Rahne threw a chip at him like it was a throwing star. "Don't ye worry about me hips, ye hairy ape! Worry 'bout yer own!" she laughed as he brushed chip shrapnel off his shirt.
Pappy walked over to Logan at the grill. "I need some extra sauce on this one, Wolvie me boy." He said, giving Logan a wink. Logan smiled, catching his drift. He grabbed the 'special sauce' bottle and poured a little into Pappy's cup. He helped himself to some too.
They all slowed down a little and took seats around the bonfire. It was New England, so the air was a bit chilly. Rahne curled up with Mally, Kitty with Kurt, and Jubilee leaned up against Sam, back to back. Jaime sat as close as he dared to Paige, avoiding looking at Sam. Freddie laid on his back, chewing straw with Dr. McCoy, looking at the stars. Forge sat near Rogue, as near as she would let him anyway. He pulled a wooden flute out of his pocket, and began to play a peaceful little tune, Indian in nature. Scott and Jean sat with the Professor and Ororo. Everybody just took it easy for a bit, resting after eating.
After Forge finished his song, Logan walked over to Freddie, and tapped him with his boot. "You ready, big fella?"
Freddies eyes got big. "You bet, Mr. Logan! Where's the rope?" He got up.
"In the stalls. Go run and get it, I'll get these turkey's ready."
Freddie ran to get the rope. Logan turned to the students.
"Alright you weaklings, who's ready to go down in a tug o' war?"
Mally hopped up. "You think you can take the mighty kangaroo down? Bring it on, Mr. Hound Dog!"
Everybody got up. Dr. McCoy drew a line in the dirt. "I will judge this contest of strength. First squad to cross this boundary shall be the bereaved."
"Sounds good Hank, but you ain't judgin'", Logan said. "You're on the other team, bub. 'Ro, you too. Chuckles and Pappy can judge."
"It shall be as you say Logan," Hank stretched out. "A little exploit will be quite satisfactory."
Freddie came back with the rope, and took position on his side, wrapping the rope about his waist. Logan stepped in front of him and picked up the rope. The students and Beast and Storm took positions on their side, with Sam, Dr. McCoy, and Mally as anchors. The Professor held the middle, checking to make sure both sides were ready. Freddie began concentrating, focusing on the ground beneath him. Logan just held the rope, smirking.
"Ready students?" the Professor asked, they nodded. "Logan, Fredrick?" he asked the two. "Let 'er rip bub." Logan responded.
"1, 2, 3, GO!" Xavier shouted.
The students began pulling, with Mally, Sam, and Dr. McCoy all using their powers to increase the force. That, combined with all the other kids pulling was a mighty pull. Freddie just stood his ground, eyes shut, leaning back a bit. Logan was coaching him.
"Alright, big man, we got 'em right where we want 'em. You're doin' great. Let 'em tire themselves out a bit, then we start movin'."
That put a smile on Freddies big face. "No prob, Mr. Logan, no prob."
The rope was vibrating with tension. The students were getting frustrated with their situation. Dr. McCoy called out.
"Ororo, perhaps some blustery weather would facilitate our cause." He grunted.
Ororo's eyes went white, and strong winds coming from behind Freddie and Logan sprang up, whipping their hair forwards. Logan grunted.
"Don't let 'em play with yer head, Fred. You got this under control! Now, on the count of three, we take one step backwards. Ready?"
"Yes Sir, Mr. Logan!" Freddie stated, sweat beginning to run down his face.
Logan counted down, then he and Freddie took one step back, Freddie dragging all the students forward. Logan waited about 15 seconds, then gave the countdown again, moving the students yet another step forward. Little Rahne, at the front, was only about two steps away from the line.
"Pull, ye overgrown rabbit, PULL!" she screamed back to Mally.
"Crikey, I'm pulling like crazy as it is. The big boy is tough!" Mally's big feet had dug grooves in the turf, and the ground beneath Sam was getting charred from his bursts of power. Each of Dr. McCoys lower 'paws' had handfulls of grass in them.
"I'm gonna put ice underneath them!" Bobby grunted.
"Won't matter,", Forge moaned back, "He's locking himself to the earth. Look, you can see it!"
The ground under Freddie was bulging like something was trying to get out. Logan growled a countdown again, and they took one more step back, much to the dismay of the other team. Ororo increased the winds to a gale force, and Paige ripped her skin off, revealing lead to increase her weight. Jaime let go for a second, and multiplied himself six times, all of him grabbing back on. Jean lifted Logan off the ground, so he was no longer a factor.
"Only one more step, and we're finished!" Rahne yelled, morphing to werewolf form.
The strain was beginning to show on Freddie's face. Sweat was pouring off him in buckets, but he was holding fast. He wasn't sure about the last step back, though, the pull had just increased a lot.
"You can do it bub! Show 'em what yer made of! These punks can't beat ya big fella! Ready? 3, 2, 1......"
Freddie made as if to step back, but felt his gravity 'grip' waver. He was unsure if he could do it, the pull what just to much. Like magic, he heard the Professor in his head.
'Concentrate Freddrick, you're doing fine. See yourself winning in your minds eye, and let your power do the work for you. I have faith in you, son, you can do it.'
"ARRRRG!" Freddie groaned, taking the last step back, pulling Rahne over the line.
"Yeehaw, that's it big bub!" Logan shouted in victory. He quickly popped out a single claw and cut the taught rope, letting the students tumble to the ground in a big heap.
Then all hell broke loose. Logan & Hank heard Xavier in their heads.
'Rogue's shirt came up in the fall backwards. She is absorbing Samuel, Ororo, Paige, and Mallory. You must get in there. Four essences at once is overloading her mutant power. She may die. Go!'
Beast and Wolverine sprang into action, Beast yanking students off of him and out of the pile. Logan burrowed his way to Rogue and yanked her out by her ankles. Everyone was confused, and Sam, Mally, Paige, and Ororo were nearly unconscious, feeling the drain.
Logan looked Rogue over. She wasn't breathing, and Logan couldn't feel a heartbeat. He panicked, growling in frustration. He knew what he had to.
'Chuck, get in here, make me let go after she takes me!' he thought, putting both his hands on Rogue bare midriff. Her power locked on to him, draining his life force. He bellowed, and at the last second, Xavier took control of his mind and made him break contact. He fell back, passing out.
"Kurt, teleport Dr. McCoy to the med lab and help him ready the beds! Jean, get Rogue to the med lab, quickly! Scott, you Katherine and Forge get Logan there. Everyone else, tend to getting Ororo, Sam, Paige, and Mally down for examination! Quickly now!" Xavier took control, barking out commands.
The Institute, the Med Lab
Kurt and Dr. McCoy !BAMPH!ed into the med lab. "I pray that they are all OK!" Kurt exclaimed.
"So do I, son, so do I" Beast quietly intoned.
End – Chapter 14 – Rogue gets a New Pair of Shoes