Rise or Fall

by Heiress Mellie

First Class: Charles and Erik have accepted their roles as guardians and headmasters over the young mutants but there is still work to be done for the greater than typical family. This is a familial and discipline, including spanking, centered fiction.

217. Chapter 217 Live Specimen

X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall

Chapter Two Hundred Seventeen

Author's Word: … … … … Yeah, um, so while I work to find some words that remotely begin to describe that unbelievable feedback from last round, please enjoy and review! Also, if you notice a certain word misspelled, that's very intentional. Why? Think these two words: Huck Finn.

Sounds of their intense heavy breathing now deaf to their own ears in addition to formerly aching legs now numb, they continued at the immeasurable pace. Due to the autumn conditions stripping the leaves, the trees made for very poor cloaking aides. Happening upon a formation of stones, Maya grabbed hold of Tricie to use them as shielding. Making a half-hearted struggle to help her own air intake, Maya's heart skipped several more beats at the gasping little girl before her.

"Tricie," she held her in her lap and cradled her upper body, "it's okay. Honey, it's okay. We're safe now. Easy," Maya rubbed her back with one hand and used the other to place in comfort over her chest," just steady your breathing."

Finding her voice minutes later, Tricie wanted to know, "Melissa and Leon- where are they?"

"They're probably still fighting," Maya offered out with the faintest trace of a smile. "They're ten times better than I am in that area."

"But we're… we're supposed to stay together."

"We'll be together again," Maya assured, clutching her closer. "Don't worry…"

IIIIIII

Entering the room that offered the excess rows of beds for the weary, Glimmer approached the one that contained her recuperating sister. Professor X sat upright, gripping her hand.

The teenager walked up to Beast. "Is she okay?"

Beast looked at her and answered, "Emma's still recovering from the mental strain. They both are."

"I'm alright," the Professor claimed.

"You've pushed your powers to the limits on this search," Beast reminded him.

"And I will send them to their breaking point if necessary."

Glimmer blinked in disbelief at his words.

"Charles," Beast emphasized, "you're no good to Leon or Maya if you send yourself into a coma. You know that."

Professor X did not speak again as he continued hanging onto his wife's hand.

Glimmer dipped to kiss Emma's forehead before turning to leave them. She walked through the lengthy halls of the unbelievable aircraft until she found herself outside of one space.

"This is your room?"

Glancing over from where he laid in bed, Fabian sat up with arms forming a welcoming position. Glimmer went straight in to accept the embrace the limbs desired. It surprised her when she felt him place her in his lap to sit.

Brushing her cheek with his fingers a moment, Fabian reached in to exchange a ginger kiss with her then left his nose to rest against hers. "I can't believe he has her."

"Nothing is going to happen to Melissa, Fabian," Glimmer stated strongly. "You know that girl is a force all her own."

"He's not to touch her," Fabian enforced with a fire. "Or Leon; Maya."

Glimmer hugged him around the neck. "We'll stop Ignacio."

Closing his eyes a bit, Fabian leaned into her neck. "I cannot tell you how…" He pulled back for better view of her blue eyes. "I'm so glad you're here with me."

Glimmer gave him a happy expression. "On the same side."

II

So lost within her own thoughts, Kayla hardly registered the hand coming down on her shoulder. She gazed up at her brother-in-law.

Sabretooth asked, "You heard from Lo' again?"

She shook her head. "And we won't until he tracks Ignacio down himself. God Victor, I… I feel so at fault here."

Frowning, Sabretooth moved to sit on the coffee table to face her. "What're you on about, Kay?"

"Maya. I never wanted her left alone in Buffalo; there solely to act as Lauren's "happy place"." Kayla frowned in disgust. "She started calling less, being late with homework. I thought I was right to give her space. I should have—"

"Hey, hey." Sabretooth patted her knee. "Just take it easy, little sissy. Even when the kids are right under our roof we can't know everything that's goin' on in their heads. Just take a look at Leon and Seanie if you want proof of that. You just had two babies on top of dealin' with the Mite. You can't knock yourself over the head over not handlin' everything at once."

Kayla nodded lightly in response to him but internally she believed otherwise.

II

At the presence of the returning men, Professor X jumped up to go to them.

"Did you find something?" he wanted to know. "Anything?"

"Less than," Estevan replied.

"We searched the hospital as well as Maya's apartment house," Magneto said. "Not even the slightest sign of them. I'm going out again to scan the entire city."

"I don't think so." Beast strolled over purposefully. "You still aren't completely used to your flying ability. Look at you. You're exhausted."

Magneto turned a glower on him. "Then it's time I learned to take it to the next level."

Beast growled out in frustration. "When will you all see that harming yourselves won't do anything to help the others?"

Estevan stated, "The Acolytes were not made for twiddling our thumbs."

Beast faced him. "No, you were made for going into situations half-cocked and causing absurd amounts of damage. I swear, for a group of people so out to better things for mutants, you come off as nothing more than one colossal disaster after the other."

Estevan completely seethed now. "You flippant, impudent little—"

Magneto prevented his hand from making contact with the young scientist.

Professor X intervened as well. "Stop this! If we're going to succeed then we must firmly stand together. Antagonizing one another will solve nothing." He looked at his brother. "Perhaps a moment's rest is what we all need."

Magneto gave him a short nod and walked over to the nearest window. Not for the first time since it happened, he saw the image of Emma falling over due to the extreme distress behind Leon. Also not for the first time, he had to work to keep from sending the entire metallic ship off course.

IIIIIII

Inside the narrow barren space, Melissa stood before the one mirror. She now wore soft light gray pants and her hair flowed down in such a way that it almost covered the white tank top completely. Looking to the one garment left on a hanger, she fingered the silky material on the short robe, made up of a pattern of various blues and grays. Removing it from the hanger, she slipped into the article.

She reacted to the forceful knocking she heard next and remained in quiet place as Owen entered ahead two arms guards.

"Much improved," he commended. "And don't you feel better, too?"

"I'm here," she stated flatly, indicating one sleeve on the robe. "I played dress-up. I did everything you want. Now, take me to him."

"He's still recuperat—"

Melissa yanked on him by the orchid tie he wore. "I said take me to him!"

Owen held up a hand to keep the guards from reacting. "Easy, men." He focused on the one before him. "I thought we could talk. With words and sentences and all." He indicated the chair in the space.

Eyes narrowed, she eased down into it. "What do you want?"

"According to your driver's license, you're Melissa Vitus," Owen began. "And according to what I've been able to dig up, you're a former patient of Augustine Women's Wellness Center out in New Jersey. Brought in due to a deep depression caused by a mis—"

Lunging, Melissa had him tackled to the floor in an instant. "Shut your mouth!"

Owen waited while the guards forced her up before he stood himself. "Well," he dusted his suit off, "this certainly goes a long ways to explaining your parents' misfortune several months back. It was so… wickedly grotesque."

"Nothing they didn't deserve!" Melissa spat. "They're going to know the pain she felt. Every single day."

Owen formed a smile. "I like you. However," he walked up closer towards her, "I'm going to have to insist that you keep your emotions under control. Anymore of these outbursts and I won't be able to ensure your safety. Nor that of your friend's."

With so many ideas on what to do to him hitting her at once, Melissa managed to keep the heat only visible through her brow and eyes.

IIIIIII

The minimal light penetrating his eyes seemed to awaken all of his senses at once and all instinct ordered him upright.

"Hey, take it easy, man." Leon opened his eyes completely to see the other male over him. He adjusted the cool compress on Leon's forehead. "Try not to move."

"What's going on?" Leon ground out. "Where am I?"

"You were shot," he told him flat out. "Lower back. You're lucky, though. They patched you up without any serious artery damage. Hell man, you're even going to be able to walk after this."

Leon took in his heavily bandaged abdomen area. "This is luck by your standards? Where are we?"

"The mutant wing of the facility; the habitat for our kind. And considering you could be six feet under right now, yeah. I call that luck. It's Leon, right?"

The teenager nodded. "Who're you?" Leon sized up the older male. He stood right around six feet with dark skin and a low shaved haircut. He also appeared to be around Hank's age.

"Tyson Tarsus," he introduced himself. "I've been here a few months." He handed Leon a glass of ice water with a straw. "Here." At his hesitation, Tyson said, "Look, if they were out to kill you, it would have been a lot easier to let you bleed out."

At that, Leon's lips went to the straw and he sipped slowly. Tyson took the glass back when he seemed to have enough.

Leon next asked, "Where's Melissa?"

"The girl?" Tyson surmised. "She's alright. Probably undergoing testing."

Leon eyed him intently. "Testing?"

Tyson looked back at him. "You'll see for yourself soon enough."

IIIIIII

Poking his head into the Mag Cave, Frank spied out the girl who laid on the couch.

Putting on a smile, he came in closer. "How's my little sis doing?"

Becky hugged Sweetie Imp as she replied, "I thought they'd be home by now, Frank."

Frank sat on the arm of the couch, touching her curls. "If they would've let me go along, we'd have been long back. But they're stuck with Alex so it'll be a while."

Becky's expression remained grim. "I felt really funny earlier. Like… like something's wrong with Leon."

Frank moved to squat near her face. "You know Dad won't let that happen."

Becky grew more pleasant now. "I like when you call him that."

"I do, too," Frank concurred.

IIIIIII

Eyes locked on the florescent lights overhead, Melissa's head jerked suddenly at the outcry from the adjacent room. The shriek brought more of a chill down her spine than the current cold medical table that held her.

"Who is that?" she demanded.

The female nurse came through, tightening Melissa's restraints. "Another patient. Don't worry about it. Some of your conditions are simply trickier than others."

"We are not sick," Melissa told her. "Ever think maybe you're the ones that are backwards? Maybe you need the treatments."

The nurse said nothing as she next injected the clear substance into the vein near the younger woman's wrist.

Melissa squinted but resisted a hiss of pain. "What is that?"

"Something to keep your powers under control," Owen entered the room, "throughout the testing process."

Melissa scoffed. "So your big test involves bringing us down to your level?"

"No." Owen came around to her. "It involves seeing how much you can withstand before returning to your own level despite the serum. Discovering and bursting through your limitations."

"If you're trying to frighten me, you have your work cut out for you," Melissa informed. "But I guess you're only left with scare tactics when you don't have the forces of hell on your side. Don't worry, though. You'll make it down there someday."

Staring at her, Owen determined, "Let's begin with the throat exam."

With no need to ask, Melissa watched as a pair of orderlies approached with a sharp three-prong device.

IIIIIII

Brought into a careful upright position at the circular table inside the wheelchair, Leon only stared at the plate of supple foods placed before him.

Tyson patted his wrist. "Take it slow. You'll make yourself sick."

Leon's attention slowly strayed across the way at the duo teenage girls. The older one had dark shoulder-length hair and a supremely thin frame that teased her bones underneath. The younger one had longer blonde hair and distant blue eyes. Her only reactions consisted of her tapping her spoon every so often.

The brunette acknowledged Leon's attention with, "I'm Brenda." She nodded towards the other girl. "That's Caitlyn. You're new."

Leon replied, "Garage sale clutter. When did you arrive?"

Brenda told him, "About a month ago. She's," she indicated Caitlyn again, "only been here two weeks."

"That's longer than a lot of people," Tyson put forth.

Leon started to ask until the guards escorted in the familiar face. "Melissa!"

"Hey," Tyson took hold of him before he could kneel over in pain, "didn't I say to take it easy?"

Melissa dropped to her knees near him to study and cup his face. "Are you okay?"

Managing to bring his head up, Leon nodded reassuringly at her. "What happened to you?"

Eyes giving away her feelings only briefly, Melissa claimed, "It's not important. I'm fine."

"Daddy!"

Grinning ear to ear, Tyson shot up to catch the teeny body flying at him. "Hey, my man!"

Glancing up in astonishment at the sight, Leon and Melissa shared a look.

Turning at them, Tyson explained, "This is my boy. Isaac Hosea Tarsus."

"Zack," the child chimed up.

With a playful eye roll, Tyson said, "He likes Zack."

"Hi, Zack," Melissa smiled.

Leon started to ask, "How did—"

Tyson shook his head, "Later for that," and settled to eat with his son.

Melissa sat in the spare share between Leon and Caitlyn and said to the girl, "I saw you in the laboratory earlier, didn't I?" She nodded. "I'm Melissa. What's your name?"

"Caitlyn," the older girl supplied. "I'm Brenda. She really doesn't talk. It's enough of a miracle if she eats."

Melissa collected a portion of the meat and potatoes onto a fork. "Well, you have to keep your strength up. We all do." Melissa stroked Caitlyn's hair and sent into her ear, "It's going to be okay now. You'll see." She showed her the fork again. "Please?"

Looking from Melissa to the fork, Caitlyn opened her mouth to accept the food into it.

IIIIIII

Finding his way to the Acolyte dining room, the Professor also discovered one of his own seated alone at the table.

"Havok?" Going to him, Professor X sat beside him.

Havok slowly faced him. "How did I let this happen?"

"What? Havok, you most certainly did not—"

"I was supposed to look after things while you guys were in Boston," the young man reminded. "Lee slipped away because I wasn't paying attention."

"Alexander," the Professor spoke firmly, "you were focused on the little ones. You could not have possibly predicted Leon reacting this hastily. If you think Erik and I are disappointed in you, nothing could be further from the truth."

Havok remained quiet for a moment. "What Emma felt… tell me the truth, Charles. Is he still alive?"

"Yes," the man stated strongly. "Believe me. With Emma so attached to Leon's mind, it would have pained her with greater severity if he had been lost to us." Professor X squeezed his shoulder. "And I think you would know the truth in your heart of hearts as well. Your brother and Maya are still out there. And we are going to find them."

Havok in turn laid a hand over the Professor's.

IIIIIII

Hands clasped together, they slowly separated as a sphere of pure energy formulated between the palms. Sending the charge outward, Tyson caused the destruction of the nearby clay figure.

While the others looked on with impression, Zack clapped wholeheartedly.

Stepping out of the way, Tyson signaled, "Bren, you're up."

Going out into the open area of the room, Brenda remained in perfect place until she fluttered upward towards the ceiling. She returned to her feet and took off at an untold speed across different spots of the room.

"You can fly and super run?" Melissa marveled.

Brenda said, "I can make my body light enough to do so. That's why they fill me with nothing but rabbit food around here."

Though it explained her skin and bones to Leon, it satisfied him not.

Melissa looked at Caitlyn happily. "What about you?"

Getting Zack back into his lap, Tyson encouraged, "Go on, baby."

Bowing her head and hugging herself, a build-up of silvery mist formed within the space. It promptly dissipated right after.

"She could do a lot more than that," Brenda said. "You know, if not for the medicine."

Melissa wanted to know, "How did they get their hands on all of you?"

Brenda wore a tight smile. "I decided to go against my parents and join the school track team. I finally became popular then I became a rat in a cage."

Melissa frowned. "Have your parents tried to help you?"

"They've been allowed to visit a couple times," Brenda said. "Under heavy monitoring. They're afraid to do anything else without us losing that much. Guess I don't have it that bad. When she started having nightmares and creating smoke in her sleep," she pointed out Caitlyn, "her parents gave her to them. For "treatment"."

Melissa said, "I wish I had a harder time believing that."

"What about you," Leon looked to Tyson then Zack, "two?"

Tyson hugged his boy close to his front. "I had a big surprise coming my way when I finished my tour with the air force." He then stood Zack up to go play with some of the soft toys over in the nearby bin. "Found out I got my high school girlfriend pregnant. She gave him my last name but never bothered to let me in on the fact that I had a kid. Anyway, as soon as I found out, I knew I needed to get Zack away from her messed up family."

Leon asked, "Did you take him?"

Tyson nodded. "Also took on a few jobs with my powers to pay the bills while we ran. I got caught up one night. With my mutant skills and my military experience, they made a deal with me. To keep us together. The tests are rough as hell, but it's not that far from basic training."

Melissa surmised, "They use your son to dangle over your head."

Tyson exhaled sharply. "Yep, pretty much."

"This is insane," Melissa put forth in exasperation. "You can't keep raising him here in this place."

Tyson looked at her. "You say that like we have a choice."

Melissa urged, "You say that like we don't."

Brenda aimed fingers on the new arrivals. "Okay, you two are nothing like the ones I've seen go through here."

Leon said, "There was a time when we wouldn't have been. But now we have something waiting on us on the other side."

Caitlyn caught all of their attention as she said, "Must be nice."

IIIIIII

As sunset all too quickly crept upon them, Maya had to lay in a fetal positon beside Tricie. The maneuver acted as her only defense against the biting cold since she had long wrapped the younger girl inside her jacket. Even if she possessed the skills necessary to light a fire, Maya decided against it so as not to give away their location.

The teenager fought against building tears, unable to believe her present circumstances. She kept her full focus on Tricie, attempting to rub the chill out of the pale cheeks. Over and over the boom echoed throughout Maya's ears. She had spent enough time on the range to know gunfire when she heard it. With only the single shot, she was left to wonder who the bullet had penetrated; Leon or Melissa. Not even the slightest optimism came near her. She knew well that if either one of them had made it out, they would have caught up with them long before now.

Closing her eyes, Maya spoke a silent prayer that her comrades had been contained instead of killed. No matter how horrid, she knew the two had the strength necessary to survive such an ordeal.

The rustling of leaves forced her brown eyes open immediately.

Tricie reacted as well. "What is that?"

Signaling for her to be quiet, Maya grabbed her hand and started them off at a brisk pace through the woods again. As the sound from behind grew closer, she had to resist screaming out the terror she experienced in that moment.

"Smiley!"

Maya stopped the very instant she heard the voice and almost broke down in euphoria as they veered around. "Wolverine?"

Coming close enough, the man seized her in a hug. "Thank God, baby. Chuck had trouble pinpointin' ya on account of your thoughts racin'."

"I'm so glad—" Maya then grinned at the one running up next. "Sean!"

The redhead caught his girlfriend in a tight lock. "I was ready to scour these United States looking for you."

At the confused child, Wolverine squatted to her level. "What's your name, darlin'?"

"… Tricie."

Banshee smiled. "So you're the famous Tricie. I've heard all about you."

Tricie looked back pleasantly. "You have?"

"Yep," Wolverine nodded, collecting her to pick up. "Don't you worry about a thing. You're safe and sound now. We're goin' to take care of you."

"Leon and Melissa," Maya brought up urgently. "We have to find them."

"I caught their trail, too," Wolverine informed. "I'm goin' after them. As soon as we get you two to safety."

While the elder mutant contacted the others, Banshee brought Maya into another embrace. She tugged on and buried her face inside his jacket.

IIIIIII

Though not particularly involved with the game, Melissa continued to participate in the cards with the other girl facing her.

"Do you have any three's?" Brenda asked.

Handing her the requested cards, Melissa dropped her entire set at the intense gagging noises from the adjoining bathroom. "Caitlyn!"

Brenda shot up after her. "She's having another attack."

Melissa dashed into the bathroom in time to catch the writhing girl before her head made contact with the sink. "Kate, Kate!"

Hurrying to the locked down, Brenda screamed out, "Somebody help!"

IIIIIII

On a bench near Leon, who propped up from within his wheelchair, Melissa glanced across the way at Tyson and Brenda every so often. Guards stood on either sides of the mutants, firearms at the ready.

Leon regarded one of them out of the side of his eye. It amazed him that even with his recovering from a gunshot and their powers made numb, that the men in apparent control continued to fear them to such an extent.

"You shouldn't have come with me."

Melissa faced Leon. "What?"

He continued with, "You should have gone with the others."

Melissa eyed him in disbelief. "Leon, he shot you and felt nothing for it. If I hadn't come quietly, he would have finished you. I was not going to let you die; out of the question."

Leon stared back at her wordlessly.

After several more minutes, Owen emerged through the laboratory's twin doors. "We did what we could, but unfortunately…"

Brenda's hands went straight to her eyes while Tyson only shook his head forlornly. Leon did not speak, but his upper body went into a stiff state.

"No," Melissa could not grasp. "She can't be… she was only thirteen; a little girl."

Owen said, "Not everyone responds well to treatment. She wouldn't be the first."

"You did this," Melissa's tone grew accusatory, "you killed her! You twisted pieces of fuck!" She came to her feet. "You killed her!"

In an instant, both guards had weapons aimed at her.

"I warned you, Miss Vitus," Owen cautioned. "Let's not increase inventory at the morgue, shall we?"

Leon reached up to snag Melissa at the wrist. She reacted to his touch and slowly relaxed her posture.

Upon their return to their sleeping areas, Melissa somewhat robotically headed into the bathroom while Brenda passed out sorrowfully in her bed. Staring at her reflection for a moment, Melissa's fist shot forward and smashed the center of the mirror above the sink.

IIIIIII

Sandwiched between Sean and Kayla on a sofa, Maya still found it unbelievable to be back amongst them. Though half her mind remained on the missing two.

"Beast," she acknowledged the doctor entering with Marco behind, "how is she?"

"This experience has caused a great deal of suffering on her lungs," Beast reported. "However, we have her on oxygen and she's stable. Tricie should be fine now."

Maya sighed with relief. "I was so worried."

Estevan said, "There will be time for elation later."

"He's right about that," Wolverine concurred, returning aboard the ship with Sabretooth. "We got bigger problems."

Magneto went straight to them. "Did you find it?"

"Yep," Wolverine nodded. "Fort Knox should have half their security."

"The place is covered somethin' serious," Sabretooth went on. "If we want in without hurtin' anybody, we've got to be smart about this."

"That we do," concurred Professor X. "Besides the harm that could come to our own, if we create a body count, the consequences to mutant kind will be too harsh to fathom."

Fabian looked to the Acolyte leader. "Father?"

Estevan determined, "Hermanos, it is time to strategize."

IIIIIII

"Help!" Pounding on the sealed door, Melissa bellowed again, "Help us!"

The door opened, bringing in a pair of guards.

"What's going on in here?" the first demanded.

"It's Brenda." Melissa indicated the girl currently struggling for air on the floor. "She's barely breathing. Do something!"

"Shit, not another one," the second guard mumbled.

The second they knelt down to see about her, Melissa used both hands to send the glass shards into their necks. Both men howled in agony and she took the opportunity to seize both their guns.

"Brenda, go!" she ordered.

Brenda ran out into the hall and Melissa kicked at both guards to further keep them down before sprinting after her. The mutant females raced throughout the lengthy corridors.

At more guards coming upon them, Melissa shouted, "Get down," and fired the moment Brenda reached floor level.

Reacting to the pains in the legs, each guard dropped.

When they reached the dorm occupied by the males, Brenda worked the various locks while Melissa kept the guns aimed for any who might encroach upon them.

Leon moved to sit up in bed while Tyson wanted to know, "What's going on?"

"We're getting out of here," Melissa informed briefly. "Move."

"Are you out of your mind?" Tyson kissed. "They'll have us gunned down the split second we reach topside."

"I've shot others," Melissa told him. "We can grab their guns on the way. Whatever we have to. They won't stand a chance."

Tyson gave off a slow nod of agreement. "I'm not going anywhere without my son."

"Neither are we. Here," Melissa handed him a gun while she went to Leon, "cover us while I grab him. Easy now." She brought him up into a standing position and he leaned on her a little.

"Let me help." Before Brenda could step forward, she felt herself seized and abrupt pressure placed around her throat.

"Tyson!" Melissa's eyes enlarged at his pointing his gun's trigger at the side of Brenda's face.

"Drop your weapon or I shoot her," he threatened.

Leon shook his head. "You can't be serious."

"Do what I say," Tyson said with a forced calm. "Put it down. Now."

A scream choked in Brenda's throat.

Unable to do anything else, Melissa crouched low enough to place the gun on its side.

IIIIIII

Finding herself restrained to another test bed, Melissa arched her head up to send a heavy glower across to the one mobile mutant.

"How could you let them do this?" she snapped. "You've seen over and over what they've done to our kind!"

"And I'm not about to let my son suffer the same way," Tyson retorted. "You think I like this; want this? Trying to run will only make things harder. If you'll just do as you're told, this whole thing can be a lot easier on all of us."

Strapped to the bed next to Melissa's, Leon raised his head to remark, "Spoken like a true house neggar."

Owen entered before the now irate man had a chance to charge. "Save it, Tyson. All they have left are their words at this point."

Brenda piped up from her bed, "Please, just let us go back to our rooms. We'll do whatever you want, I swear."

Owen released a dry snicker at that. "You actually think you can severely injure multiple men, during an attempted escape no less, and be let off with a slap on the wrist? Think again, Miss Howley. I was conflicted on this for some time, but tonight's little performance convinced me to push on with a new test." Sticking hands into his pockets, Owen strolled across the tile floor as he spoke. "You see, I've always been interested in the deeper aspects of mutation; particularly mating habits within the species."

Brenda completely paled and Melissa found herself sincerely unable to speak.

"I'm especially eager to learn," coming over, Owen undid Leon's restraints, "what happens between a male and female of similar ability." Helping Leon into an upright position, Owen patted his shoulder encouragingly. "She's all yours."

Leon blinked at Melissa before turning his head to face Owen. "I know I'm supposed to accuse you of insanity, but that's beyond redundant at this point."

"Do you honestly believe," Owen flung Leon out against Melissa, "you have a choice in this matter?"

Wincing at the pain the rough movement caused him, Leon stared down, his brown eyes meeting Melissa's. For the first time during their containment he saw no anger or concern present there. He had to do a near double take at finding actual fear present instead.

"I won't do this," he said to her then reiterated louder, "I am not doing this. Forget it."

Owen shrugged. "In that case, we'll have to move onto our secondary subjects." He snapped his fingers. "Oh Tyson," he gestured towards Brenda, "all aboard."

Brenda went from pale to green as it seemed she would soon vomit profusely. "No! Please!"

"You can't!" Melissa shouted. "Stop, she's only sixteen! He can't!"

Leon gazed pleadingly toward the other male mutant. "Tyson, don't. Please… please."

Remaining completely still at first, Tyson eventually started forward with clear purpose.

Melissa shook her head hard. "No, no!" She eyed Leon imploringly. "Just take me."

"I can't!" Leon insisted.

"You have to!" Melissa beseeched. "I've already been through it once. Brenda will never come back from it. I hardly did. Please, just take me, Leon, please…"

Leon could not believe what he felt next as his eyes completely glossed over. "Melissa…"

Owen then reacted to the overhead lights clicking on and off. "What is…" He then had to steady himself as a quake shook the entire floor.

Taking the opportunity, Leon delivered a hard punch to his jaw that sent the medical expert straight down. He then ducked when Tyson rushed at him, making him fly to the other side of the room.

At the harsh sensations flowing throughout his insides, Leon internally reminded himself, pain- it's just pain. Don't give in. Fight the resistance. That's right, isn't it, Alex? Fight it.

Getting Melissa's restraints loosened, the two had to move fast to next free Brenda as another tremor took place. With Brenda clinging to them, the trio made haste away from the laboratory.

II

Jamming both sets of his claws into the rifle, Wolverine snatched it out of the unsuspecting guard's hands.

"You're lucky we mutants have a good rep to keep up," the Veteran taunted, "because I'd love nothing more than to make a kabob out of you."

Sabretooth, Beast, and Mystique fought off the others that surrounded them and Kayla sent an arrow from her bow into the shoulder of one that came at her.

Appearing behind a guard, Cloak tapped one's shoulder, only to deliver a sudden punch the moment he turned around.

II

Leon, Emma mentally bellowed, running ahead of the two teens behind her.

Spotting unwanted company, Glimmer yelled, "Look out!" Transforming into gold, she leapt up and over to deflect the bullets they fired.

With his energy weapon on low, Fabian stunned the guards to the ground before running to the girl.

Glimmer faced him. "Are you okay?"

"You're amazing," he responded in captivation.

Casing over into her own diamond form, Emma directed, "This way, you two," and turned one corridor.

II

"Emma," Leon realized. "Missy, they're here."

"Estevan's mini quakes gave that away," Melissa informed, picking up speed. "Let's hurry."

Leon stopped suddenly. "You and Brenda find the others. I'll catch up." On hardly a limp, he started another direction.

"Leon!" Turning to the young teen, Melissa directed, "Go find the other mutants."

Brenda nodded and ran onward.

"If we make it out alive, I'm going to kill him," Melissa mumbled, hurrying after the male's trail.

Scanning any open doors he could find, Leon halted in place at the small petition of, "Daddy? Daddy, where are you?"

"Zack!" Leon called out, gesturing wildly.

Looking over, the pajama clad boy ran to him. "Leon, Leon, where's my daddy?"

"Come on," Leon scooped up the four-year-old, "we have to go."

Catching up to them, Melissa said with relief, "You better have had legit reasoning."

"I'm only ninety percent crazy these days," Leon stated as they continued on rapidly.

Leaving one hall, they happened upon one tall frame. Tyson stood before them, body shaking and eyes imploring. After staring at him a moment, Leon handed Zack over.

"Thank you," was all Tyson could say before taking off with his son.

"Time to do likewise." Melissa joined hands with Leon and guided them hastily through the growing rubble. At his weight growing heavier, she promptly ceased movement when he dropped. "Leon! No, no, no," she got down, cradling his head in her lap. "We did it, okay? You and me. We're almost out of here. You have to hold on a little longer. Please, Leon," she raised his hand to hold against her cheek, "we've come too far."

Leon groaned, "Go…"

She shook her head and echoed a previous statement of his. "I can't."

Melissa then released a shriek when a light from above snapped and came down their way. However, it almost immediately froze mid-air before being crushed against the nearest wall.

"Lee!" Havok ran while Magneto floated from behind. "Bro, it's okay." He lowered to take his other hand. "We're here now. We're gonna get you out of here."

Magneto looked to Melissa and said, "Both of you," then encased them all within a metallic sphere. We have them, Charles.

When the combined mutants reached the above ground of the facility, Estevan demanded, "Ignacio. Where is he?"

Emma reported grimly, "Gone already."

Marco touched the fuming Estevan's arm. "We have to get back, chief."

Anger still more than apparent, Estevan went to collect Melissa from Erik before the large group made fast tracks for the aircraft.

IIIIIII

Finished with her tenth prayer of the hour, Maya withdrew from the window. The smile never left her face at Leon and Melissa in their beds, utterly drained but already on the road to recovery. Brenda also slept peacefully across from them. Magneto, Professor X, Beast, Emma and various members of the Acolytes had all been in and out. They had all gone off to double up on coffee a few minutes ago.

Going across the way, Maya sat in the chair next to Tricie's bed in time to catch the little girl's eyes opening. "Hey, cutie pie. Look who's here." She used her hand to gesture towards the other filled beds.

Tricie formed a small smile. "They're back."

"I told you they would be," Maya said cheerfully. "Together again. I just can't wait for us to get home." She joined hands with the younger female. "You're going to love the mansion."

Growing quite serious, Tricie told her, "I'm so glad I met you. I love you, Maya."

"I love you, too," the other girl immediately returned. She gladly accepted the hug that Tricie reached out for next. "And we're going home."

Settling against her, the eight-year-old whispered, "Happy birthday, Maya."

Letting off a little laugh, Maya started, "It isn't my birthday y—" She then felt it. "Tricie?" Pulling back, she patted at the unresponsive cheek. "Tricie?"

"Maya?" Mystique rushed in with Beast.

"Hank, her pulse is dropping! Do something!" Maya pleaded.

Beast jumped over and prodded Maya away so that he could work. The distraught girl found herself in Mystique's arms. Beast spent the new few minutes making every attempt to resuscitate her. When the beating beyond the tiny chest ceased completely, he slowly raised his head with a foreboding shake.

"Maya… I'm so sorry."

One hand went to Mystique's mouth as tears formed in her yellow eyes.

"…No." Maya remained still as everything around here swirled together surreally. "No! Tricie!" She tore away from Mystique and fell to the girl's bedside. "No, Hank, do something!"

Hank attempted to reach for her. "I've done everything I—"

"No! Kayla! Somebody!" Maya screamed. "Somebody, please!"

While many of the others within the aircraft raced in to see the cause behind the commotion, Mystique attempted to console the trembling girl.

"Don't touch me!" Maya snatched away, shaking at the lifeless form in the bed. "Tricie, wake up! Tricie!"

On the last bellow, a surge exploded from her body. The others could only look with confusion and uncertainty as every detachable object in the room sprang forth, falling and breaking apart.