Strategic demolition

I didn't have long to recover from the assault. Several highly charged cards came flying in through the gap in the wall, courtesy of Gambit.

Kitty and I made a break for it as the miniature firecrackers exploded around us.

As we ran, I turned and threw a small box at Gambit. There was a small thumb, and the rain of cards stopped.

"I've never understood why people say that throwing cards is hard." I yelled over my shoulder.

"You're supposed to take them out of the box first, imbecile!" Came the angry reply, followed by rapid footsteps.

"Kitty, you might want to go find the rest of the team."

She phased through the wall as Gambit turned the corner, a charged card in his hand.

"Oh, I'm supposed to take them out of the box. Well, I can do that too."

Gambit threw the card he was holding at me. I threw one of my own, deflecting it.

Within a few seconds, I had deflected an entire deck. "Is that the best you got?"

"No. I've still got my wild cards."

I dropped flat as two jokers flew over my head. "This is what I get for buying decks without jokers."

I flipped to my feet. "I gotta go. See ya later."

"Oh, must you? This party is just getting started."

Gambit held up a new deck of cards.

I smiled. "Hey Gambit, one question before you throw those. Why did you throw all your cards at every single support beam in the hallway?"

Gambit's eyes widened . Before he could move I kicked the wall and jumped out of the way.

I surveyed the wreckage. That ought to keep him busy. Now for the rest of them.

I found Pyro engaged in a battle with Summers and Rogue, who was looking rather pale. Even for her.

"What did you DO to him?"

"Kitty's muffins."

"Ah'm not sure he deserved THAT."

"Yeah. He's a jerk and all, but isn't that going a bit far?"

"There wouln't be any lasting damage. Stop worrying!"

"Yeah, but..."

I held up a hand.

"Quiet!"

I listened for a second.

"What is it?"

"I thought I heard something. I guess I was wrong."

I silently mouthed 'be ready' before suddenly spinning and jumping into the doorway.

Something hit me with the force of a freight train and darkness consumed me.

When I awoke, it was over. Quicksilver was laying on the ground in a crumpled heap, Rogue was gone, and Scott was giving me a very impressed look.

"How did you know he was coming?"

I got to my feet. "I heard him. At the speed he was running, there's a very distinctive sound. He's not the first speedster I've fought."

"Nice work."

"It was, but you don't want to try that trick without resurrection skills. I died when he hit me."

I decided it was time to change the topic. "Where's Rogue?"

"After she stole Quicksilver's power, she went to help the rest of the X-men."

"Shouldn't we do the same?"

Scott ran for the door.

"I'll take that as a yes."

We found Storm a few moments later.

"Storm! There you are! How's it going?"

"It is going well, Scott. We have chased off most of them."

Behind her back, I frowned. There was something off about her. Only one way to be sure.

"Glad to hear that. Maybe once were done we can celebrate with some of Kitty's muffins."

Scott looked at me like I'd grown a second head. Storm, however, merely nodded her head.

"That sounds fine. But right now we have places to be."

"Yes, and yours is in the wall." I hit her hard.

Storm flew through the wall. Mystique stepped back through it.

"You are going to regret that." She snarled, and lunged.