Author's note: this first bit's a little difficult to keep up with, especially if you've never experienced being truely unconcious - the brain slows down but goes into overdrive at the same time :)

CHAPTER 2. - Systems Meltdown

Black

The serene, comforting, encompassing dark; the cool calmness before your mind and body connect, waking you up. An old friend, So very peaceful ...

Open your eyes

:I dont want to:

The conciousness thought whimpered, shrinking away, adding a heartfelt cry :No :

Bemusedly, feeling a mere spectator, a fragment of her sub-concious, in a little voice wondered curiously aside in the dark why not?

Open your eyes

The quiet vocal representation of the sub-concious demand unflinchingly displayed no emotion, was not swayed by it. It was a Command. It must be Obeyed ... A swirling kalidescope of feelings, sensations engulfed her, drowning her senses.

Cold

Hard. Steel? Underneath, below. Thrumming vibrations the curious little voice, following her progress, annotating and reporting back the findings, commentator to the brain in this strange situation.

Colours swam hazily into view, making no sense, as she slowly cracked open her eyes. Sounds muffled, distorted, resonating around the space, around her mind?

:Where Am I:

Think. Must think. Methodical. One by one. In order, Must process. Must Think. COME ON.

Music - Radio? Voices. Male. Angry voices

Sub-concious triggering minute movements throughout her body, in-built self diagnostic kicking in. Here. All here. Present and Correct. When suddenly ...

PAIN. Pain !

Vision materialised suddenly, metal plated floor millimeters from the surface; eyelashes close enough to brush against it. The little voice, the offshoot of her sub-concious suddenly seizing control, freezing her body causing her to bite back the agonized screams, silence it, contain it in her throat. She could taste blood, could smell it. Everywhere. Hers. She blinked.

Must stay safe. Mustn't let them know you are awake

: Why:

Not safe. Must stay safe. Must get Away.

: Why:

DANGER

The word, an icy dagger of fear through her heart. Forcing herself to remain still pulse thudding loudly in her ears she glanced upwards, her brain trying to comprehend what her eyes were seeing. Thrumming steel floor, black metal walls. Noisy. Crack down the center of the smallest one, above her head, black window and a handle.

Door. Way Out

Just beside her face, clear reflections staring back at her, gravel chipped, pieces hanging off. Shiny. Wreaked. Discarded.

Can see reflections in the Visor. Ours. Red Motorcycle Helmet. Ruined now...

Loud grating, tearing grinding noise; angry cursing behind her, vibrating in the floor changes.

He changed gear

Sudden comprehension dawns :I Know. Here. Where I am. A Van:

Yes. Now. Must escape. Must get out of here. What are they doing?

Still moving just her eyes, she curled them around trying to see behind her, unsuccessfully.

Use the reflections

Two men, up front, arguing. Driver. Passenger. Seatbelts on, no quick way to turn around. Not as fast as she could be.

: how do I know that :

you do

Seemed to make sense. Dark outside. Lights from a single passing car ... No street lights. Suddenly, the floor shifted, pulling away before slamming into her again; causing an involuntary gasp of pain.

Just a pothole in the road

"She waking up?" suspicious voice from behind her.

NO ! mustn't find mustn't find mustn't find ...

"Nah, she's out pretty good. New serum in the collar last's longer, remember?" sarcastic, nasally voice. Unconcerned, kept talking ...

Good. mustn't find

:Serum :

dont know

:Ssshh... I want to listen:

" .. to worry about, mate, after the dart I stuck her with that caused the crash, topped off with the tons extra I injected into her once we got movin - am tellin' ya that bitch ain't wakin' up ANYTIME soon" The nasally passenger laughed, sounded smug. Incandessant rage suddenly burning through her veins she wanted to roar, leap over there and rip his head clean off.

stay still. stay quiet!

" Hah! True, I guess not, I just wondered 'cause it had been a couple of hours. But suppose it'd take a fucking elephant down, that. Wonder why they didnt just have us kill her like the rest. It did try to fucking run on us"

: the rest? kill ! run? what:

"Ah, they cant dontcha see? this one's special to HER. Its her pet, her special project, if you will. They got big plan's for this one - cant just put It down like a dog in the street. Fuck, Ernie, dontcha ever fucking listen ! They've spent a fucking fortune fixing it the way they want it.Christ they'll wanna know, after all their work, how it was even able to run in the first fucking place! considering It's not fucking designed to ..." his voice dripped malice.

: "it" - does he mean me? I dont understand:

Must escape. They want to hurt Us. Must escape NOW

" ... me, I'd rather we shot 'em all in the fucking street an be done with it". She heard him pat something, proudly.

Moving her hand slowly, it passed her face - leather gloves torn - and wrapped her fingers around the chinstrap of the smashed up helmet. Adrenaline kicking in, she stealthily rose to her feet, steadying herself with her other hand against the van wall.

Must Get Out

The driver looked pissed, taking his eyes off the road to eyeball his passenger

"Know what? see to be honest Rodgers I dont give a flying fuck what it's supposed to be. I keep my mouth and ears shut. I do my job, I take the paycheck, and I dont give a toss what goes on inbetween. Perhaps you should learn to do the same" he gripped the steering wheel, one hand reaching up to re-adjust the rear-view mirror. "HOLY SHIT !"

NOW!

Swinging as hard as she could in the confined space, she brought the helmet crashing down upon the side of Ernie's head, shuddering at the sickening thump that accompanied it. Rodgers was already moving, unclipping the seatbelt, yelling his head off eyes wide as he reached into his jacket

He's got a gun !

Screaming now, her body crashing against his over the seat as the van started to veer out of control, she backhanded the gun out of the window with the helmet even as it went off, sending a round whistling by her ear, grazing her cheek. She punched him then, hard; Rodgers doubling over even as she saw the drop at the road's edgeapproach.

GET OUT!

Running on instinct, she turned, kicked the van door off its hinges and jumped. Slamming hard into the tarmac, she rolled over and over in the dust. Dazed, lifting her head just in time to see the van go over the cliff, hearing the dull echo of a metallic crump and the boom of the explosion, sounding as if far below. Her vision speckled, threating unconciousness again.

:No, have to keep moving. Somebody will see the smoke. I've got to escape, to get away. Have to keep moving :

Check they didnt survive. Must cover you're tracks

Dragging herself to her knees, she crawled in compliance to the cliff edge. Flames burning bright in the darkness, on the rocks of the riverbed far below the wreckage of the van exploded again, spreading burning fuel and debris over a wider area.

:Nothing could have survived that:

Good. Return to the primary objective. Escape

She lay there panting for a moment, desperately trying to focus; the sight of the flames below here swinging crazily, doubling and redoubling in her concussed state. Feelin sick and dizzy, rolling onto her back away from the edge, hot tears pricked the back of her eyes.

: Why is this happening to me ... :

get up

:Somebody, anybody ... please help me :

Get Up. Must Keep Moving.

She unsteadily dragged herself up onto her knees again, then trying to stand - only to fall back with a scream when pain arched through her body like electricity, writhing on the floor, she screamed and screamed, liquid fire penetrating the soft skin at her throat. Clawing and pulling at the source of the pain like an animal, her scrabbling fingers lached upon a slender metallic band which encircled her throat; somehow managing to bend the burning area away from her skin, finding herself pulling a section of tiny needles free, leaving the liquid trying to pump itself into her system to pour down her torn t-shirt and pool in the dust instead. Gasping for air, the pain becoming unbearable, rushing through her veins and crushing pressure inside her head, she threw her head back and screamed at the stars

"Somebody HELP ME!"

GET UP! MUST ESCAPE. GET UP!

Worse now than before, the liquid fire had turned to a numbing stinging deathly cold, travelling through her veins, making movement and thought more difficult. Limbs shaking, finding each breath more laboured than the last, she focussed on the largest shadow she could make out, the smell of pine wafting on the night breeze.

: If I could just make it to those trees :

Must evade recapture

With a last ditch show of strength, her adrenaline slowly fading, she stumbled to her feet. Weaving crazily, unable to make out if she was going in the right direction, she stumbled; tripping over a twisted van door at the far side of the road, half-falling to her knees but pushing herself up again.

:Did ... did I ... do that:

Keep moving

Her feet hit soft dirt, body pushing through whipping prickly branches, barely feeling anything anymore. Overwhelming smells of wet pine, and damp earth assulted her senses, unable to navigate the underfoot pitfalls she kept tripping over undergrowth, with each step finding it getting more difficult to lift her feet, to move at all. So tired, so very very tired... her eyelids kept closing involuntarily. Her legs caught on something and suddenly she was falling, rolling over and over again, making the world around her spin; sliding and crashing down slope into small rocks, plants, trees, wood ; dirt and debris tumbling down around her...

Almost completely numb now, barely hanging on to conciousness she slowly became aware she was lying still. Unable to fight anymore, she lay there struggling just to draw breath into her lungs. Eyelids forced open, only to discover she was lying on her back. Her sight failing her, she could just make out the twinkling points of light from the stars above her through the trees, the frothy soft greens fronds of the ferns she was lying under. Finally, she lay still.

Keep moving

"I cant..." she managed to whisper from between unfeeling lips

Then you have failed


Most of the students had already taken their leave, moving elsewhere within the mansion-so by the time the professor wheeled in to the teachers kitchen with Storm by his side, it was a cosy small welcoming party of a smattering of x-men and students left deep in conversation. Reaching the table, they were just in time to catch Dr. Hank McCoy aka the Beast waving his blue furry arms around over his half-eaten supper plate in front of his eraptured audience, talking animatedly all the while gesturing some point or another before they all burst out laughing.

"Ahh, Professor. Please, come. Join us" came the wide smile.

To a chorus of hello's, they were already rearranging the seating to make some room, shuffling over to let Charles manouver his chair to the table side; Storm quietly slipping away to fetch some food. "I was just explaining some of my more heady exploits from my younger days ... glad you joined us."

"Indeed. It would be hard not to stay away, Doctor - it seems Ororo has been following you're advice to the the T ... she is intent on looking after me"

"That's no bad thing"

Charles simply smiled at the man's jovial sense of humour, simply relaxing in the company of what he considered to be his extended family. The conversations around the table had moved on, giving the two a rare oppertunity of a quiet moment to speak away from the focus of the group. Hank turned to Charles, his tone more serious.

"Rumour has it, Logan's returned"

"True, he arrived back earlier."

"Should we be worried? considering his closeness to Rogue, and last week's unpleasantness between her and young Bobby..."

Charles shrugged his shoulders, looking suddenly extremely fatigued. "It is more than a possibility ... I sent her to greet him. No doubt, she has told him by now - Logan has a certain knack for getting information out of her ..."

"Oh, dear."

"Rather. But believe me, its better to have an enraged Wolverine on the prowl now, and perhaps run the possibility of losing some furniture, than it would be to keep it from him and let him know later when Mr. Drake is around"

"I agree" McCoy raised an eyebrow "But he isnt here?"

"No. He skipped classes and left early this morning - had Kitty pass on a note saying he needed some time to think and that he'd be back in a few days"

"Hmm."

Xavier looked at him, concernedly "Rather uncharacteristic behaviour of late, wouldnt you say?"

"Certainly. I noticed some rather odd changes in the lad almost three weeks ago - a complete attitude overhaul, for one" Hank glowered, but didnt elaborate "Any ideas whats come over him? have you picked anything up?"

"Unfortunately, no ... I cant seem to get a lock on the boy. I admit, its got me worried. But my senses, as you well know, have been a little awry of late. Im still having difficulty reconstituting the same barriers I had before. Its growing ... more than a little tiresome"

McCoy smiled sympathetically "You've been through a lot, Charles. Your mind has to heal, as well as your body. Give it time."

Xavier was about to say something more, when he suddenly turned as if listening, towards the door. "Oh Dear. Speaking of Logan ..."

All eyes turned, to find the hulking glowering form of the Logan filling the doorway, growling under his breath.

"Where is the little bast..."

"Logan!"

Storm gasped, shocked - scared almost; Kitty physically stiffened, skin chalk white, and dropped her spoon; causing his furious hazel eyes to swing in her direction shooting an evil look, before narrowing in intent. She gulped, yet he dismissed her just as quickly. She was not the one he was looking for, besides she was a 'kid in his eyes and a female to boot. Balled fists and eyes blazing, he stepped into the room.

"I said" snikt "Where's Bobby"

Hank looked at the Wolverine bearing down in Kitty's direction like a fright train, and automatically assumed the worst; finding himself on his feet "Now, see here just a minute .."

Logan twisted his body in his direction, adamantium claws unsheathing themselves shockingly fast from his other hand, pointed straight at McCoy "Back off, furball"

"Logan" Piotr stood, stepping infront of Kitty.

"Stay out of it"

He was now spread in two opposite directions, claws out, tensed. Slowly, Kitty stood, feeling like she was surrendering herself to her own execution.Wrapping her fingers around Colossus's arm, she moved him aside. Quietly, head down, she spoke "for what it's worth, I'm sorry"

"Yeah, well, tell that to her." He snapped, pointing his thumb in the direction of the door. Turning back to the table, he threw over his shoulder at her "Like I said, I'm not interested. Least of all, in you. Easiest thing in the world to get a woman in bed, but it takes her wanting to be there to get her in it. Dont aplogise ta' me"

Kitty's eyes filled with tears, stuck between shock amazment and fear. He hadnt even attempted to lay a finger on her ...! she hadnt thought it a possibility, figuring she'd be dead by now. Piotr nudged her quietly, eyes hard "Get outta here. Go"

Kitty stepped back, not needing to be told twice; phased through the wall, and was off running like a deer to her room. Logan saw her go, barely acknowledged it with a "Hmph", thinking

Dumb kid should keep her knickers on in future

:Now, Logan. She is a victim in all this too. Dont think too badly of her:

Feeling the familiar pressure, Logan shook his head, tossing him a glare "Stay outta ma head, Chuck. An' I'll think WHAT I like about WHO I like, Got it?"

"Fine" Xavier said, raising his hands, impeccably calm as always "But just remember, the next time you ..."

All of a sudden, Xavier turned glassy-eyed and doubled up, gasping for breath

"PROFESSOR !"

"Jesus christ " Claws sheathed Logan leapt forward, catching Xavier firmly by the shoulders just as he crumpled up, face twisted, falling forward. Logan pinned him in his chair so he couldnt fall out; the others rushing in, crowding him. With a pale shaking hand, the professor raised it trembling to his face just as a female voice echoed through the mansion, whispering and shouting from everywhere and nowhere at once.

Somebody ... anybody ... please help me

Students spilled out into the halls in confusion; Rogue sitting bolt upright in Logan's bed, tumbling over the tangled sheets on her way out the door "What the hell ?" she shouted at a passing mutant "I dont know! it just started !" he yelled back.

... get up ... must keep moving ...

"C'mon Chuck - Snap out of it !" Logan shook the Professor, who looked up sluggishly, but his grip was firm as his hand shot out and suddenly grabbed ahold of Logan's forearm like a vice, eyes looking lost "Help ..." he choked out

Somebody HELP ME !

It was an agonized scream, people all across the mansion clapping their hands to their ears, Logan's sensitive ears ringing, causing him to flinch in pain. Hank looked on utterly aghast.

GET UP! MUST ESCAPE! GET UP!

"CHARLES !" Ororo pushed in, "Charles, Please! Force them out, focus on us ... "

Slowly, trembling violently, Xavier straightened up and blinked; still gasping for breath. The whisperings died away with a final sigh

Somebody ... please ... help me ...

"Good god" Xavier leaned back in his chair, looking stricken, "Good god ... I can still hear them"

"Who is it?"

"I dont know ... but they managed to swamp my mind so completely ... I dont think she even realises I could hear ..that I can still hear ..."

He looked at the worried faces around him, marvelling at how completely the mood in the room had changed, how devoted they really were to each other. Meeting each and everyone's eyes in turn, he addressed them as his friends, as his family.

"We have to find her. Help me find her ..." he grasped Ororo's hand, seeing the tears in her eyes. "We have to find her"

"Okay" the glistening tear slowly travelling down her check, clouds gathering, rolling in, just outside the window. Anything, Everything. Just to help.

"Okay ..."


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