The two girls turned slowly around, only to see Logan standing in the room's dark shadows.
For what seemed like hours the trio stood deadly still, waiting for the others to make a move. Rouge was used to Logan's gruff appearance but here in the dark he still sent a shiver down her spine.
"You two are supposed to be in bed. Go back now and I won't say anything, or you can try to run and the whole school will know. Make your choice."
"I'm not staying here," Riley stepped forward, fists clutched and eyes narrowed. "You held me prisoner for long enough in your 'school'. Of all people you should know by now that I'm a wild creature, not someone who likes tight spaces."
"Professor won't be too happy if I let you leave."
"Well, I don't care."
Tension in the room was high, and as she stood there Rogue was afraid a fight would break out right there is the school's lobby. She was right. A few minutes later Logan and Riley were fighting fiercely, clawing and yelling at each other.
The floor had deep gashes in it, so did the walls. Lights turned on all over the school as numerous students were woken up by the crashing. Within ten minutes the room was torn up, and nearly everyone at the school was watching from nearby. None wanted to get into the fight though, worried for their lives.
Then Xavier arrived. Next to him stood Cyclops, watching with a furrowed brow, and Storm with an equally concerned expression. Riley and Logan did not notice them though, they were too focused on anticipating the others next move.
"Enough!" everyone jumped a little when Xaveir yelled. Logan and Riley paused, turning to look at the man. "Logan, what is going on?"
"Sorry Chuck, she and Rogue were heading out the door when I stopped them. Riley got mad, and I guess you can figure out the rest."
"Indeed." Xavier looked at the two panting mutants, one a gruff man from Canada, and the other a huge black wolf from Colorado. It was not heard to figure out why the two did not get along, since they both were quick to fight.
"Cyclops, Storm, please take Riley back to her room. I will talk with Logan later."
Everyone seemed to have forgotten about Rogue for the moment, but she was not about to let them lock up Riley again. Rogue knew what it was like to feel trapped, and maybe that was why she felt such a need to make sure this new mutant did not suffer the same way.
Taking a quick step forward she pulled off her glove and grabbed Logan's wrist. His yell of surprise seemed to signal Riley, and she turned quickly to face Rouge. Understanding what Rogue was doing she bolted forward, claws scraping the polished floors. Rogue then grabbed Riley's fur with her gloved hand, swinging up onto the wolf's back.
The whole room erupted into motion, every student and teacher running forward to try and catch them, or just trying to see what was going on. With a crash Riley rammed through the main door, wood splinting and flying in all directions. With one bound she was running off into the dark night, Rogue still clinging to Riley's fur as tears steamed down the girl's face.
It seemed like they ran all night, their pursuers following. Even the X-Men's cars could not keep up with Riley though, and soon they were left far behind.
At last Riley could not run any further, and she stopped to catch her breath.
"Are you okay?" Rogue asked as she jumped down from Riley's back.
"Yes. I'm just out of breath."
"Good" Rogue smiled a bit. "I have some food, and clothes for you. Thought you might want some supplies, but never though I'd be running too.
Riley thanked her and walked a short ways off, soon coming back dressed in the clothes and looking like her normal self again. "Thanks for helping me tonight, I don't think I would have made it out alone."
"You're welcome, I was glad to help. Not sure what to do now though."