Heartland

The sequel to Exodus

Scott shifted restlessly in the passenger's seat. "Whuzit? Huh?"

"Welcome to Iowa, my love"

"Wow. And I thought Kentucky was backcountry." Robert Drake peered out the window at the unending streach of flatness. "Kentucky is not backcountry." muttered Sam darkly. He used to be fond of cartrips. Back home, they meant a chance to get out and see the larger world. After joining X-Force and now the X-Men, Samuel Guthrie had seen a fair piece of the world in all its glories and tradgedies. But after spending the better part of the week next to Bobby in the backseat of Logan's jeep, the only part of the world Sam wanted to see was a Motel 6.

With his own room.

"What you're viewing, Robert, is the very beginning of the Great Plains of North America. A pivitol part of America history." Henry McCoy was a doctor and a scholar - for him the world was an endless fascination.

"Well, hurrah for corn."

Logan clenched the steering wheel a little tighter. This "vacation" from New York was starting to wear thin on everybody. Luckily, Storm claimed that the Iowa countryside held a possibility for a more permanent residence.

They entered the Denny's at the rest stop seperately. As far as the other patrons were concerned the three married couples, the men on a road trip, and the two seedy-looking bikers had nothing to do with one another. Even the black woman with her hair bundled into a hat who later passed through the door caused no comment. In reality, a brisk interlinked conversation was taking place.

*I am *not* sleeping outdoors again*

*Quit yer whining, Warren. The outdoor's is good fer people.*

*Not if they die of hypothermia*

*That is highly unlikely in the middle of September, my friend.*

*Yea, well, if I had a coat of blue fur, I'd be pretty smug too.*

*Quiet, please. Storm has something to say.*

*Thank you, Jean. I have found somewhere that might suit our needs. However, it will not be obtainable tonight. The clouds are thick with rain and I wish to conserve my strength. Therefore, I have found us temporary shelter to pass the night.*

*Dat's fine Stormy. As long as it ain't another gas station mini-mart.*

*Hey, man. I'll take free Dr. Pepper any day of the week. Even if it *does* mean sleeping on linoleum.*

*Speak fer yourself, sugah. I ah wasn't invunerable, mah back would nevah forgive me.*

*Do not worry, Rogue. This may have more options.*

"A penny for your thoughts?" Joseph stared at his eating partner with concern. She had started the trip with more energy than a normal human being could maintain, but slowly grew quieter as the week progressed.

"Don't bother. If we're gonna keep you fed, you'll hafta save all the money ya can." Joseph blused slightly. He did not truly remember being any older than a man in his mid-twenties. Certaintly, he ate like a man in the prime of his life. Even the time-weary waitress had raised an eyebrow at his order.

"Please, I asked a question. I don't ask many." Now it was Rogue's turn to blush.

"Well, ahm a little worried about Bishop.....and Remy. Bobby was right, it *has* been getting colder and they're the only two whose been driving without any cover."

A twinge of the talents of a far older, far more insightful man rose in Joseph. Rogue was worried about LeBeau - it was that simple. Even with her tough exterior, he himself had borne witness to the strange emotional pull the Cajun influenced on her. *Now ask yourself, you foolish old man,* the voice inside him taunted, *is that cause for concern.....or jealousy?* "I wouldn't worry about it, they are both experinced riders. Besides, the weather-witch indicated that this ordeal would soon be over."

"This is the only unpatroled shopping establishment in this suburban area, Robert. Gambit - I may require your assistance."

Remy realized what she had in mind. "Sheesh, Stormy - ain't you never heard of Best Western?"

Scott sighed. Their choice of sleeping arrangements had been a little unique of late. "I don't want any paper trail, no matter how faked, for Bastion to trace us."

Remy unraveled the electronic security in a matter of minutes. "T'ought you didn't want dis Cajun doing the B&E anymore, Stormy."

She smiled at him seductively. "You don't miss those warm days and nights we spent together in New Orleans, Gambit?"

"Oooh. So much so dat my heart breaks."

Scott coughed loudly. "Um guys? Can we speed this up? Last thing we need is for a patrol car to drive by."

Remy LeBeau whipped open the glass door with a dramatic flourish. "Your kingdom awaits, oh fearless leader."

Scott did his best not to smile. This was, after all, a situation rife with unpleasant possibilities. "Use whatever you need, but remember - nothing leaves this store without getting paid for." He said the last with a pointed look towards Gambit. Turnabout was fair play.

Remy layed his head on Storm's shoulder theatrically. "Homme take all de fun outta Gambit's life."

"Weather's gonna get worse 'fore it gets bettah."

Framed by the moonlight, the shadows seemed to shift abruptly and Rogue spun around, fists high.

As if poured from the darkness, Betsy Braddock steeped out beside her. "I did not mean to startle you."

"Um.....ya didn't. That's just going to take some gettin' used to."

Psylocke arched an eyebrow and pulled back into the shadows silently.

Rogue exhaled loudly. How did Warren cope with that? Did that woman bear any aspect of the woman who had been her friend in Australia?

"Robert, I fear you are not seeing this evening in all its myriad possibilites."

Bobby looked up to his best friend, swinging upside down from the lighting rack. "Which would be?"

"Electronics. Wide-screen TV's. VCR's. Stereos.............Ninetendo. Nouns will suffice, it is up to the adventurous to supply the appropriate verbs."

Sam and Logan joined the pair oggling a beautiful 50-inch screen. Bobby was reduced to a single thought - "Football season."

"Ain't no way that thing's gonna fit in my Jeep. Ain't no way we could pay for it." Logan fished for a cigar in his pocket before he realized he had quit the damn things. "Would be sweet to watch the Series, though."

Sam Guthrie had located the remote and was off and surfing.

"..........see amazing results in just 2 short weeks.........."
"..........now! Psychics standing by to give you a............"
"..........will go down in history as the first candidate from an Independent political party to take the lead in national polls. At a press conference yesterday, Graydon Creed........"

"Turn that crap off, Sammy. I'm getting tired of seeing his ugly mug."

The sentiment seemed to go for everyone.

"Hon, there's no one around for miles. Excuse me, there's a night janitor at the Dunkin' Donuts down the street stealing a few of the leftovers." Jean Grey slid her arm around her husband's shoulders.

"Did Bobby tell you about Creed's surge in the polls?"

"Did you really expect anything different?

"No, I guess not. It's just.......maybe I thought they'd understand what we were trying to do in New York."

"People believe what they want to believe."

"And now they believe in Graydon Creed."

Joseph's reflection apeared in the glass pane. "That man must be taken care of."

Scott turned to face him and tried to keep his voice civil. "I'm always open to suggestions."

"Graydon Creed must not be allowed to stay in the race until November. His political agenda will doom mutants everywhere."

"It's not our style." He closed his eyes behind his glasses, concentrating on the gentle heat of his wife's body.

"Then you are not truly open to suggestions."

"Not if they involve taking away any man's - or woman's right to speak and think as they believe."

Joseph snorted derisivly, reminding Scott of a man he knew not so long ago. "I hope it's comfortable in your pretty heaven."

"Need somet'ing chere?" Remy LeBeau had layed out a strange assortment of pillows, blankets, and patio cushions in the middle of the aisle into a makeshift harem-bed.

"Wow. That looks real comfortable."

His mask of slick charm was up. "P'haps you like Remy to make one for you. Or meybe you care to share?"

"No thanks. Ah snagged the hammock in the Backyard display." She sat down on the edge of Remy's creation gingerly. "How ya feeling? Was getting pretty cold out on the road."

"Gambit traveled colder miles dan dat. 'Sides, I like seeing Bish' take to dat hog."

Rogue studied the seam of her blue-jeans intently. "Ya seem to be real close to Bishop now."

The mask slid a little. "Not real close.....but, oui."

"Ah'm.....ah'm glad. 'Cause in the beginning you two were always fighting. Remember that picnic?"

"Oui. Didn't t'ink you did."

She ignored that. "And you must be so happy."

Remy leaned back on his elbows and stared at her. "Why's dat, chere?"

"Well, Bishop thought you were the traitor - and now he knows you're not. We all know."

"Wish I was."

Rogue looked up in shock. "How can ya say something like that, Remy?"

"T'ink girl. I would've been alot easier t' take on. Lot easier t' take out. Would 'a been a lot less missed den de Prof."

Rogue forced a smile. "Don't think like that. We're all together - everything will be fine now."

Gambit gave a short, grim laugh, ignoring Rogue's hurt expression. "You somet'ing chere. Now you be a better liar den Gambit."

"We can handle storms. I guess my wife and I were looking for a little privacy."

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. Felton may be a small community, but we respect privacy."

*What do you think, Scott?*

*I think I'm glad she won't remember our faces tommorow. There's no such thing as a small community that respects privacy.*

*Cynic.*

Mirriam Winters smiled at the young couple. So sweet to see kids starting out in life. "You'll love it here. There's a greenhouse out back, good soil for corn. There's even a workhouse, case you want to hire any of the townies to help bring your crops in."

"Oh, I don't think that will be necessary. You say there's only three bedrooms?"

"Yes, sweetie, three bedrooms including the master downstairs. You planning on a big family?"

Scott interceded, the theme from 'The Brady Bunch' spinning inanely in his head. "Not just yet. My wife and I run a chapter of a social program in New York. We give young adults a chance to do honest work in exchange for room and board. I think the workhouse will do just find for now."

*Smooth.*

"My goodness! That's wonderful, I can't wait to tell the minister that we've got two new angels in Felton."

*Two and one Archangel.*

*Jean!*

"Ya were expecting another mansion?" Rogue shot back.

Scott waved his hand sharply. The team barely fit into the living room. "Enough. This suits our needs for now. Everyone should be grateful to Storm. She's requested the greenhouse for living quarters, since she gets first pick. Jean and I get the master bedroom." Scott looked around for any dissent - he got none. "Hank gets the storm cellar, since he'll be setting up a temporary lab. Rogue and Betsy get the remaining two bedrooms."

"Ah love chivalry."

"Dat's fine, mon amie - but you forgot the other seven."

Jean stepped in. "There's a workhouse with bunks........."

Warren went a paler shade of blue. "Oh God, Jean. Tell me you're kidding."

Bishop rolled into the bottom half of the bunk. "It's fine. You're too used to luxury."

Warren brushed miserably at a cobweb and climbed over Bobby. "I'd settle for sanitary."

"Relax, Warren," replied Bobby cheerfully, "get back in favor with Psylocke and you'll be back at the big house. Me, I'm seriously starting to consider dating Beast."

"Both you two, quiet. I'm looking for a decent night's sleep. Sam, you like top or bottom?"

"Top, Mr. Logan."

The workhouse grew silent as Joseph entered and tossed his sleeping roll on the last empty bunk. "I guess I'm odd man out."

"Got dat right, mon amie," hissed Gambit softly. Bobby looked up from his bunk and smiled in agreement.

"In a while. I was just thinking, we're going to have to plant next spring. This farm needs to look legitimate."

"They're going to looooove that."

"I think they will. We've got a house to fix and fields to plant. That's something we can *do* - or at least try. I get tired of fighting a losing battle sometimes."

"I know." She wrapped her arms around him. "I like it here."

"So do I. There's a barn out by the greenhouse."

"I saw. That'll be useful next fall."

"It will be useful now."

"Excuse me?"

"Mrs. Summers, would you care for an old-fashioned roll in the hay?"

Their laughter rang out as he chased her and got lost in the wind.

"Rogue, get down from there."

She flew down beside him. "Can't a gal have a morning's spin around the country?"

"Not when she's in hostile territory, she can't. Never know who might see us. We got to be simple folks for awhile."

"Can't say ah mind. I love it here."

Logan smiled slightly. "Ya, darlin', I can tell. I think this place will do us all good."

"Not all of us." Warren emerged from the workhouse, rubbing his back. "The only thing that will salvage this morning is a decent breakfast."

Rogue smiled at Warren's hobbling figure. "He's sure havin' a bad time of it."

"So says de femme dat slept in a bed." Remy appeared with Sam and Bishop trailing behind. "You cooking, chere?"

She had to smile. Perversly, Remy never look better than when he woke, unshaven and rumpled. "Only if ya got a death wish."

Joseph woke to the sound of laughter. Groggily, he rolled out of bed, only to find Robert Drake staring at him.

"Have a problem?"

Bobby leaned his back up against the bunk. "That's what I'm trying to figure out. Do I?"

Joseph grabbed his boots and walked by. "Only if you make it one."

"C'mon guys, time to do some honest work for a change."

"Dammit Jim, I'm an accountant, not a farmer."

Scott actually cracked a smile at that one. He and Bobby had their problems, but Iceman could lighten mood in a way that Scott never could.

Jean later remarked to her rather suprised husband that things were going well. The farmhouse had acquired a coat of paint and almost looked like a real home. Even Betsy managed to pitch in - sanding wood with a concentration that was kind of eerie. Scott even noticed (with immense relief) that the trio of Gambit, Rogue, and Joseph, if not necessarily friendly, was at least getting along. But Gambit wasn't Joseph's only detractor.

"Why is he here with us, Scott?" Bobby Drake stood at the door of the bedroom with his arms crossed.

"He's not the same person he was, Bobby."

"That's crap and you know it."

Scott fished for some patience. "I *don't* know it. He deserves the benefit of the doubt. However, if you had a maniacal amensiac - would you let him fall under bad influences, or would you keep him under your wing?"

Bobby relented. "Got ya, big guy."

"Yeah, well, I'm not as stupid as I look."

Dodging a thrown pillow, Bobby yelled, "thank god."

The kid looked pale and stuttered. "Um.....uh.....Aisle 3, ma'am."

Eddie Kowalski watched the girl walk down the aisle and raced into the backroom. "Oh man, oh man. You should see the babe that just walked in."

Kevin Parker was Eddie's best friend. They had both been kept back to repeat the 12th grade and were together by a bind of bitterness as much as anything else.

"Better than that cheerleader from Patton High?"

"Waaaaaay better."

This he had to see. Kevin started for the door when Eddie grabbed him. "Stupid! What if she sees us? We'll look like a couple of dumb rednecks. C'mom, Dad's got that new security camera in his office. We'll watch her from there."

Kevin and Eddie watched Rogue on the grainy black and white monitor. "Jesus, man, you were so right. What a sweet ass."

"She ain't from around here."

"Oh, no shit sherlock. I think she's one of those folks from the old Turner place."

"One of those charity cases? Even better, she won't have fine airs."

Kevin sat and thought for a minute. "That mutie is our ticket out of this pit. We're gonna nail her hide to the wall."

"Do we have to? I thought she was kinda cute."

Kevin screwed his face up in digust. "Are you some kind of sicko? Screwing a mutie is worse 'n screwing your sister. Want your kids to end up with a third eyeball or something?"

"Yeah man, I guess you're right." Eddie was a little uncomfortable. Kevin had that look on his face, the one he had before his set fire to Patton High's mascot. Not a big deal really, but the goat had been alive at the time. "So, we gonna join the Friends of Humanity or something? Gonna go political, you know, save Felton or something?"

Kevin clenched his teeth. Sometimes Eddie just had no sense of scope. "And let them take all the credit? No man, FoH is for jerkoffs who don't really take any action. You and me - we're gonna assemble an elite mutant hunting team. I bet Marty and Kyle will want in."

"Jeez, Kevin, shooting rats at the dump is one thing, but......"

"Where are your balls, Eds? After this, the whole town will be grateful - they'll have to let us graduate, maybe you'll even get that baseball scholarship."

"Man, I don't know........"

"Did you see what those muties did to New York? Do you want the whole town to go down? If we take 'em out, the girls will go wild."

Now that was a convincing arguement. However, there were details......."So like, I'm assuming we ain't using 22's?"

That look was back, the one before the goat. "I got a better idea."

Sam shot Logan a broad Southern grin. "Mah hero."

The farmhouse was finished, with exceptions of two drying tables and one drying Beast. The house itself was painted a light yellow, causing Bobby to moan that they had gone from Westchester to the Little House on the Prarie.

"Logan, all you got was beer!" cried Warren.

"Only stuff a man should drink."

Jean walked in with her own shopping bag. "I've gone some coolers for those of us who don't want to smell like a field hand."

Logan popped a can with one bony claw. "Hate to break it to ya, Jeanie, but you are a field hand."

Remy joined Bishop out on the porch. "Pretty unfair, non? De femmes got a picture pretty house and we still in Boy Scout Camp."

"It's not so bad. I've slept in worse."

"Well, now, so has Gambit - but dat don' mean a body can't get used to something better."

Bishop turned and gave his friend a puzzled look. "Do you like it here?"

"Kinda. Prefer de city, but f'now I could get used to some piece and quiet." He took a long slug of his beer.

"That's what worries me. We don't have any defenses here, anything could happen."

"Evil mutant cows?"

"I'm serious." He waved distractedly at the front door. They're all partying like fixing this place up was some triumph, making plans into next year - but we may have to leave tomorrow."

Remy set his beer down on the rail and looked seriously at Bishop. "But dis is what we have now."

"CHUG! CHUG!" Rogue and Sam were locked eye to eye, each with a wide mouth Bud in the full-tilt position.

"My God, Scott. We've built a frat house." Jean leaned against the wall and watched the two southern X-Men go at it.

"I have to be the one to remind you of the power of diversion? Besides, when the clock strikes midnight, they are all out the door."

"Amen."

The victor struggled to his feet unsteadily. "The queen is dead. Long live the king."

"Carefull, Samuel. If you get alchohol poisoning, you'll have to come down to my lab," grumbled a still-damp mutant from the corner.

Sam swayed over to Hank and crouched down. "You are fine. The fur is fine. Get over it."

"Ya gonna join the party?" Rogue, slower on the drink, but much steadier on the feet, caught Joseph staring out the kitchen window.

"You appear to be having enough fun for everyone."

"Damn straight. Ah deserve it. What's wrong with you, tonight?quot;

Joseph frowned and placed his hands against the sink. "I......I don't know. I'm so grateful to you, to everyone. But, this place - it seems like we're just hiding."

"Ah thought it was called living. Ah nevah signed a contract that said ah had to be scared mah whole life jus' cause ah was born a mutant."

"We are still under attack."

"We are having a party. And if ya can't learn to tell the difference, than getting you're second chance don' mean a thing."

"Problem chere?" Remy entered the kitchen with a curious glance at Rogue's angry face.

"Not tonight there ain't. Ya got a pack of cards on ya, Cajun?quot;

"Does Bishop sleep wit' a gun?"

"Than ah got one word for ya - poker."

"Strip?"

Rogue waltzed past him, hips swaying. "In your dreams, swamp-rat."

"Every night, chere." He turned to Joseph. "You play, homme?"

"No."

Remy nodded sincerley. "Dat's too bad."

The door slowly creaked open, revealing a darkened room. "Come in."

"Are you coming down to the party, child?" Storm raised her eyebrows in suprise to see Psylocke wearing her colors. "I thought we had agreed that colors were not appropriate here."

The chill demeanor the Psylocke had worn since her encounter with the Crimson Dawn faltered slightly. "I'm afraid I no longer understand what's appropriate or not."

Storm sat down on the edge of the bed. "Tell me."

"I look at myself in the mirror and I'm not sure who I am. It's not like I've never experienced that phenomenon before - but this is different." She touched her eye tatto self-consciously. "Warren is so worried, but I don't know what to tell him. I don't know what to tell myself."

"Hey - knock, knock. Everything Ok in here?" Warren Worthington III peeked his blond head around the corner.

"Hey, Betts - coming down?"

"I will help you pick out something to wear." Ororo warmed at Betsy's grateful smile.

"As Gambit now owes me a little over three thousand dollars. I shall retire for the evening." Storm rose and grabbed her sweater.

"Ya, petite. You just try and collect."

"I think it's time for *everyone* to retire," commanded Scott.

"No fair, Scott!" wailed Sam.

"Hey, us old folks have to get their beauty sleep. Besides, tomorrow we start on the barn."

"Sure thing, after my hangover wears off. That should be sometime around next June."

Eventually, the disgruntled group of men were ushered out the door. Remy paused as he felt a light touch on his shoulder.

It was Rogue. "Hey. I just......sweet dreams."

"You too chere."

"Jeez, Eddie, I can't believe you're actually varsity." Kyle rolled his eyes.

Kevin looked different in the moonlight, older. "I haven't got time for this. Are you in or out?"

Eddie figeted. "Oh God, I'm sorry man - I'm out."

"What a peckerwood," snorted Marty.

Storm rolled restlessly in her sleep. Do not worry, she told herself, the perimeter defenses will attend to it. The faint sound of voices on the wind brought her to consciousness. There are no peremiter defenses. Storm rushed from the greenhouse to see three boys approaching the farmhouse, each carrying what appeared to be tanks of.....
"Bright Goddess!" Storm raised her hands, ready to call upon the heavens to aid her.

Eddie faced a moment of hideous decision. He really didn't want to be a part of what was going to go down here tonight. He had been ready to leave, but some weird lady ran out of the greenhouse and raised her hands.

"Oh God, she's some kind of mutie."

He couldn't really hurt a woman. But they were his friends, weren't they? He reached down to scoop up a rock and chucked his best fastball.

Ororo Munroe never new what hit her. She fell bodily to the ground, blood streaming from her temple.

Kevin turned at the sound and stared at the body in shock. Suddenly he grinned and shot Eddie the thumbs up sign. "Way to go."

Jean rolled over in bed and nugded her husband. "Hon, you left the kettle on," she grumbled.

"Mmmfh."

"Hon....." Jean woke up abruptly. There was a smell that lit every alert in her body. It wasn't just the smell of burning, it was the sickly sour smell of kerosene.

"Oh God."

Kevin raised his hands in benediction to the moon as the fire grew from a small blaze to a raging circle of flame. "Whoo! Watch 'em burn!"

Scott Summers lept out of bed in alarm. "The kitchen?"

Jean reached out her senses, "No, no, somebody did this. We have to get out of here, now!"

Scott grabbed for the door handle, ignoring his wife's shout and was rewarded by the sensation of molten metal in his hand. Screaming in pain, he let Jean drag him back.

She was no longer known as the Phoenix, but power had always been her right. Holding her husband close, Jean focused her telekinetic energies on the back wall and blew the entire structure outward. The fire raged high as she dove through, crashing into the dirt and rolling. She had one last thought before attending to Scott.

*X-Men!*

Jean's telepathic cry woke Rogue, already choking on the thick smoke. Instinctively, she barrel rolled though the wall into Betsy's room. Quickly, she whipped the quilt off the bed and around Psylocke to protect her friend from the fumes and her bare skin. Together they flew straight through the roof into the cold night air.

Logan came running out of the workhouse at full tilt. "Jeanie!" he screamed, watching the woman he once loved try and beat the flames out of her nightdress. There were other casualities - Sam rocketed over to Storm and looked at the blood caking her hair in dismay. "Dr. McCoy!"

His cry caught Bobby's attention. "You guys! Hank's still in there!" Gambit yanked Bishop away as Robert Drake practically erupted in his ice form.

Joseph stumbled out of the workhouse and stared at the burning building. A young voice screamed in his brain.

*Father, help me!*

The house was in flames, he couldn't get to her. There were men in the way, oh god, his daughter. He heard the shouts of the other X-Men but there was only his daughter's screams.

And the flood of memories.

Eddie tried to grab Kevin's attention. Kyle and Marty had split as soon as the mutants came pouring out of the workhouse. "Let's go man, let's go."

But Kevin was dancing around in maniacal glee. "I got two man, gonna be a hero, a f-ass hero."

Iceman's powers were amazing to watch on a regular day, but since his training with Storm, they had become mind shattering. The air around the house froze as ice replaced flame licking up the wood. Rogue handed Betsy off to Warren mid-air and drove into the now-frozen structure. Gambit held his breath painfully until that same flash appeared again, holding a choking Beast. She landed hard, tears already streaming down her face as she looked back at her destroyed home.

Eddie looked up to see a tall young man with long white hair staring at them expressionlessly.

He felt on the verge of tears, trying to ignore Kevin's laughter. "I'm so sorry."

The man's expression did not change. "Yes. You are."

Both boys felt and odd sensation as the iron in their blood raced up through their system into their brains. That sensation abruptly ended in a super-nova burst of pain as every blood vessel exploded simultaneously.

Warren landed beside Joseph, his face pale with horror. "You killed them."

"They tried to kill us." He turned and walked away from the bodies towards the rest of the team. Beast and Sam were lifting Storm gingerly into the truck.

Logan had his arms crossed tightly across his chest. "You slaughtered those kids."

Hank spoke firmly, his throat still tight. "We have to go, NOW. The authorities will be here any minute."

"He won't be coming with us." Still leaning on his wife, Scott glared at Joseph hatefully.

Joseph stared back in amazement. "Don't you people see? They would have killed us for sport! I was merely dealing out their justice!"

"And who made you God, homme?"

Joseph turned on Gambit fiercely. "You're a fool."

Scott turned away as his wife lead him to the cars. "We all were."

One by one, the X-Men followed their leader. Only Rogue was left standing with him. She looked at him with infinite sadness.

"Goodbye, Eric."

Eric Lensherr watched the cars peel onto the road. He looked over the broken bodies of the two teenagers with anger, frustration, and an all too familiar grief.

Alexandra Nigro has a total of eight X-Men fanfics on my page. She aslo has others of other topics. Email her to let her know what you think. Or, visit her homepage, Alexndra's Apothecary, and tell her what you think of that.