Time to Limbo..sort of

[Shadowkat]

Crap! We're going now! Kitty thought as she felt the familiar pull of going through dimensions. She had seen that the right pieces were put together, and caused the reaction she had thought it would, letting the geiger provide an entryway to Limbo. Knowing just what to do while there was the temporary darkness and tingling, she arranged herself so that she'd land on her feet, like she'd learned to do after so many times as practice.

Looking around, she felt the heat again as she remembered it, and searched for everyone who had been in the lab before with her. She saw the familiar lava flow and red landscape that was the fiery Limbo, and then saw that there were three students sprawled around nearby, unconscious. "Oh dear," she said, and then looked around again. "Where's the rest of them?" she asked no one. Oh no, we all must've gotten separated, at least I've got these three with me, she thought as she saw Diesel lying closest to her.

Kitty turned her head to see that the white haired Haven was also lying unconscious a few feet away. And then there was also Elixir, near Haven. Moving to Diesel first, since he was closest, she placed a light hand on his shoulder and gently gave a shake, then moving to the two girls and doing the same. "This ought to be good," she said to herself as she heaved a slight sigh.

[Diesel]

Ian stirred into consciousness at the feel of a hand on him. Whoa its maga blazin' hot in here... did Spitfire go nuts or something? he thought as he opened his eyes, seeing a red landscape with heat waves everywhere. He rubbed his headlightly, and winced. He must have hit his head cause he felt a bump forming. It should heal soon. Ian looked around the area and saw no one except Shadowkat, Elixir and Haven. "Whoa what the-? Where is everyone?" Ian scrambled to his ffet unsteadily, and looked around, seeing absolutely no one. "Teach! Pipsqueak! Spitfire!" Ian yelled looking around to see if anyone would answer. "Why do I get the feelin' that I ain't getting an answer? [/i] he thought he looked over at Shadowkat. "You alright Teach Lady?" he asked before he went over to Haven, who was closest to him other than Shadowkat. Aw man I hope she's alright. Spitfire would be bummed out if anything happened to her too. She's cool for savin' her, it'sd be uncool for her to be hurt he thought and proded her shoulder.

Whoa that's wierd... she has some kinda a shield around her... sweet! "Hey Haven chick you alright?" he asked actually quite concerned. Hell this chick saved Aideen and Aideen was his friend. Of course he's gonna be cool to this chick.

[Elixir]

Feeling a slight tug on her shoulder, Sara turned over to stare up at Shadowkat. The tug, however, was nothing, as she turned her whole body felt like it was being roasted and she screamed in pain, a blood curdling shriek that echoed all around them. As the sounds of her shriek faded away she got a good look at the fiery depths that surrounded her and whispered dispondantly, "I'm in Gehenna...the rabbis were right." When she was kicked out of Chabad she had been told that her power must be of demonic origin from the depths of Gehenna and that it would swallow her up and take her there. And now she was here.

Having paid little to no attention to what the others had discussed, and having come in very late on the discussion anyway given her unauthorized detour to the kitchen, from which Dazzler had to fetch her, Sara had no idea about Limbo. All she knew was that she was in hell. And it surely was hell, because not only was it fiery, but the people from the school that she had wanted to avoid were here...well at least Shadowkat, and there appeared to be other human forms in the fiery gloom.

Amazingly enough, she did not cry. As fragile as Sara may have seemed to everybody at the school she had survived on the streets and in the homeless shelter in the Bronx, after getting thrown out of her Crown Heights community, because she could be tough. That part of her, however, only came out when absolutely necessary. If she could get away with being the fragile, crying girl she did. She did not like to admit it to herself but the crying was an overly dramatic response that she put on to get attention and help. Playing helpless was useful. Here, playing helpless would not be useful. So instead she put on a determined look and decided to find something with which to arm herself.

With that in mind, she said gruffly to Shadowkat..."Well, don't just stand there...Find a rock or something or you'll be defenseless."

[Shadowkat]

Kitty was glad to see that Diesel was already up and checking on Haven. Good, he'll make my job a bit easier, but where is everyone? Scott and Emma? k'8? Is she okay? Everyone else? I hope we'll find them soon; I want everyone back together as a group, she thought as she looked around again, her eyes flashing for the sign of anyone else who might be around besides the three students that fell with her. Hearing Diesel speak, she looked to him and spoke with an even voice. "We're in Limbo. We must have gotten separated from everyone else," she said, and then answered, "Yes, I'm fine, but we've got to get the others up and find the rest of us."

As Elixir got up with a scream, Kitty head snapped to look at her now that she was awake. She watched as the girl got up, and then spoke most unlike herself, an order. I do not have the time for little children to back talk me when we're in LIMBO, she thought as she then took a step closer to her. "You're in no position to be ordering me around, Elixir. I am well capable of defending myself without a 'rock or something.' I also have been here before and I know what it's like. I don't have time for recklessness. We have to find the others as soon as we can. You will listen to me if you want to get through this. You disobeyed me in the kitchen earlier today, and I am not in the mood for rebelliousness. This is not the place," she said sternly, a fist clenching lightly. "Now you'll listen to me, and find something to defend yourself with."

[Haven]

Scrunching up her nose before she opened her eyes she could tell something had just happened, but wasn't sure quite what it was. "Damn, did I just screw up?" she mumbled as she opened her eyes and looked at the source of the voice. She sat up a little leaning on her elbows inside her forcefield, the forcefield itself digging into the lose sandy ground. She had seen the whole thing happen in slow motion in the lab a moment before.

Her own rage had caused this, all of this, from the Brotherhood attack to the loss of Nighcrawler and Wolverine to this newest predicament. Her rage at being treated like she was somebody's friend when they didn't know her or care to know her, and if they had taken the time they would have realized it had been wasted time because Niki didn't want to let anybody know her. She was done with people trying to be a friend and then stabbing her in the back, telling on her or worse. She was her own friend and she didn't need anyone else.

Until that day in the stables at the school, when Ember had made a friend of her by just being real with her. It was strange and up until that moment in her life Niki didn't think it was possible to have someone be real with her. Then strangely enough it happened again, with this guy just an hour or two ago in the lab. "Yes. I'm fine." she spoke calmly to Diesel. "Nothin can touch me in here." she said looking around herself at the shell that protected her.

[Elixir]

Hearing Shadowkat's harsh words and seeing her fist clenched Sara suddenly realized she was in a lot more danger than she thought. The teacher was her enemy as well as whatever they might find in this hell. Not only that but the teacher said that she had been here before and didn't need protection. It could mean that this was where Shadowkat was from. It would explain the school and everybody's fear of mutants in the outside world. They were all hell demons....great...Sara would have to get away from Shadowkat as soon as possible; that much was certain. However, a simple run for it would not be enough. The teacher could easily catch her. As it was Sara, put her arms up defensively and braced for the impact of her instructor's expected punch.

[Diesel]

Ian nodded and looked around warily as he offered Haven a hand to get up. "C'mon we gotta be on our guard here. You know my ex girl told me to go to hell, and I never thought it would actually happen. So I know it can't be good here," he said ready to pull her up, and looking around for any coming danger.

He looked over at Shadowkat who actually used a stern voice for once with that girl who always looks like she's gonna cry. "Hey Kitty, you know where we are by chance?" he asked not happy that he was unfamiliar with the environment. Ian looked at Elixir cowering with confusion. "Hey Elixir what's up with you? You look like you're expectin' one of us to attack or somethin'. Chill out, I mean we gotta look out for each other right now not at each other," he said in a gentler tone like when he talks to his baby sis. I really don't like this. Are we the only ones here? Go figure I'm the guy stuck with all the chicks. Hopefully they ain't completely defenseless, he thought, though knew Haven wasn't someone you'd call helpless.

[Haven]

Looking over at the 'oh so dramatic' scene being played out by Elixir and Shadowkat Haven snickered. "Look at that retard, she ain't gonna last too long." she said and motioned to Elixir. She got up, deciding not to try and take hold of Diesels hand, and looked around at the world they found themselves in. It looked hot, but Haven was cool inside her forcefield, thirsty as all, but cool thanks to her power.

Glancing back to Diesel she realized it might just be her and him getting out of this place, she didn't put too much stock in the teacher or the little drama queen. Looking back to the cringing wack-job she decided to speak. "Hey stupid girl!" she called over to Elixir. "What is yo freakin problem?"

[Elixir]

Sara didn't say anything in response to Haven's jibe. There was no need to start more trouble here, it would only draw attention to herself and make it harder to slip away.

[Shadowkat]

Kitty watched as Elixir put up her arms defensively, as if she were going to hit her. Does she really think I'd do that? What kind of teacher, or person for that matter, does she think I am? she thought as she shook her head. "What are you doing? I'm not going to hit you," she said, sighing as she let her fist relax. She couldn't help being tense; she was back in Limbo, with only three of the students she had been in Beast's lab, and there were plenty of other students, and Emma and Scott, too. She had no idea who got dragged down, and where they were if they did. She needed to find them, and protect the kids with her as she did it.

Shaking her head again, she turned to Diesel as he asked her where they were. "We're in Limbo, Diesel. Welcome to hell," she answered, and looked to Haven as she started instigating again. Rubbing her forehead for a second, she sighed. "Haven, please don't start. We have to find everyone else, and fast," she said. I wouldn't ever wish someone to Limbo, but I hope for our sakes that there are some of the others so that we're not alone. This place is pretty rough. I have faith in these students, but we can't go it by ourselves. And I pray that they won't be immature in a situation like this. We can't afford to start a fight amongst ourselves or we'll never make it, that or we start changing into demons.

[Diesel]

Ian covered his laughing at Haven's blunt comment with a cough, pretending to be hung up on the fact that they were actually in Limbo. Ian straightened up and looked around. I don't know if anyone else is here. Doesn't look like it, but we do know that Wolverine and Nightcrawler are here. Man we gotta get them back. Otherwise Spitfire will never come back, he thought and his face became determined.

"Yo Kitty, are you sure we ain't the only ones here? I mean wouldn't Lady Teach Frost get in contact with us if she were here? Well I dunno about that but Wolverine and Nightcrawler are here. And we gotta get them back. They're family right? Plus that's the only was that we can get Spitfire back. We gotta do this for all of them and I don't wanna waist anytime," Ian said with a determined look on his face. We got this far, we can't stop now. For Spitfire, my friend I'm getting her back. We all owe her and I know there's no way that's gonna happen without Wolverine and Nightcrawler, he thought as he looked down at Haven and then around for a sign of life from this place where they might be.

[Elixir]

As Shadowkat turned away from her, Sara put her arms down but did not become any less suspicious. After the teacher stopped speaking to Diesel and Haven she retorted. "Like I have any reason to believe that or trust you. As you've said you have been here before and don't need protection. We didn't just wander in here by mistake, you took us here. Just like at the school we didn't get attacked because somebody hates scholastics but because its really some sort of military academy...then again I state the obvious."

Her voice laced with sarcasm she continued, "Of course, Ms. Frost didn't bother to tell me that before I came and once there leaving hasn't been an option. So I don't know whether we are here because this is where you are from and have friends here or whether its to fight some little war for you and your friends...frankly I don't care...all I know is I'm not going to be a mercenary for you. I'll do what it takes to get out but nothing more unless I get some explanations and an opportunity to make up my own mind based on facts instead of being tricked into being part of your crusade."

"As for me, you shouldn't underestimate me," she said softly. "I've survived some pretty mean places when I had to."

[Diesel]

What's with the spin everyone is taking with themselves? First Jumpdick now this, people need a freaking hobby and to stay off steroids, Ian thought when he heard Elixir's bratty response. He tried his best to keep his fists from clenching. "What has Kitty ever done to make you not trust her? What has she ever done to you period other than tell you not to order her around? If Kitty was from here and brought you here to get rid of you, she could easily have dropped you into a pit of lava and that's the end.I doubt she would keep you alive in hell to hear the petty crap you're giving her when she's obviously as shocked as we are. None of us expected to get here right now since I think we woulda all dressed better for the occasion. Get over yourself and quit being a brat. Right now we are all you have. And if you want to be a complete idiot and go off on your own in freaking hell, then go ahead and try it and see if you ever get out or if you even live. What are you gonna do to battle demons? Hit them with a rock and run away? Get real," Ian said rolling his eyes and looking around the hot red landscape.

"Stop demanding explanation like a little brat. Now isn't the time for that. For someone who claims to have survived mean places, your survival instinct sucks. The most basic thing to do when you are in an unknown dangerous place with a group of people is to stick together. Even I knew that and I never had to survive any mean places before this place besides ridin' knarly waves and drivin' 150mph on the highways at 2am. The bottom line is we need to find more people, cause there is safety in groups and hope to hell that the people back at school will find a way to get us out. So grow up and get over yourself, or go off by yourself and see how far your survival instinct gets to you. I'm tellin' you right now that it's best for us to all stick together, cause there is power in numbers. But you're the survival expert right?" he said with hard tone and turned to look at Kitty, having enough of this Jumperette behavior.

"Kitty Teach, you were here before, so can you tell us where we can go to look for life around this place or find others? Cause if there are others here than we gotta find them, not just Wolverine and Nightcrawler. If Lady Teach Frost and Teach and Frostbite, Ember and TuneUP or some of the others are around, we gotta find that. Like I said, power in numbers," he said with a side look at Elixir.

[Haven]

Haven had heard enough of the little crybaby's 'wanna-be-brave' rhetoric and decided she was gonna take a little walk and see if there was anything she could see. Climbing up the dune to the right she felt the sandy ground as it was loose under her forcefield entombed feet shifting below her.

'This has got to be punishment' she thought knowing she deserved it for the whole of her antics since coming to the academy. "How come, why me? Do I beg for this? First Jumper at thanksgiving and then Ms. Frost at the table then Aqua and so I left. Then Mystique found me and Magneto and all the training with the Brotherhood. Ew and with Sabertooth- that rapist shit. If I ever get out of here I'm paying him back for all he did to me. I have to-" she stopped thinking aloud as she crested the ridge of the sand dune and looked down into the valley below.

There, on the far side looked like some kind of a castle! To her amazement she saw a creature flying in the sky.

[Shadowkat]

Hearing Elixir speak back again, Shadowkat looked back to her letting out a deep breath as Diesel spoke up. He looked pretty disturbed and angry back in the lab, I can see why he'd say something now. At least he's mature enough to be taking this seriously. Elixir, this suddent complete turnaround, where did it come from, and why now? Why can't she see that we're on the same side? she thought as the boy spoke. "Thank you, Diesel," she said, "But I have it."

Facing her charge, her face grew stern. Clearly some things needed to be explained. "You have every reason to trust me. I am your team leader, and I am here to teach you and protect you. Yes, I’ve been here before, but it wasn’t always my choice to come here. How dare you accuse me of anything, my Geiger was activated before any of us were ready, but we were coming here anyway to save two of your teachers. The school is a learning place for mutants like yourself to learn how to control your power.

“You have a lot of nerve to be pulling this. And for your information, I’m from Illinois. Don’t assume what you don’t know. You obviously don’t understand the gravity of this situation, and it’s not that I don’t need protection, I am very well capable of defending myself. I have years of experience and you don’t know all that I can do, so don’t even think to tell me otherwise.

“You may have survived some pretty mean places, but I have seen and been through so much more than you could ever imagine. Here, this place is meaner than anything you’ve ever been to. And because of it, you will listen to me if you plan on surviving through this. You will work with me, Diesel, and Haven. Like Diesel said, we are all you have here, and until we find whoever else is here, you’ll deal. I am not in the mood for little self-righteous rants and defiant speeches, and right now, I don’t care what you have to say. I am in charge, and you will listen to me. Now be quiet and cooperate with us,” she said, letting out another deep breath. I can’t allow things to fall apart here. I don’t want any of them letting themselves turn into demons, and I can’t let myself do that either. Why can’t Elixir see the bigger picture? Why must I be forced to argue with her so that we all don't end up for the worse?

Turning to Diesel again as he asked her a question, she sighed and then answered, “This place is massive, Diesel. They could be anywhere, if they were actually dragged down too. I know, we have to find them too as well as the two we originally came for. We’ll have to start looking around, but be on our guard,” she answered. Then she noticed someone had walked off – Haven. Following the sunken-in trail left behind by the turncoat, she looked to the other two, and waved her hand. “Come on, let’s go after her. None of us can be by ourselves, for safety’s sake.”

Following the trail, she could hear muttering from the girl and then led the others to where Haven had stopped muttering. Looking up, she could see why she had stopped in her tracks to see a castle in the distance as well as a flying creature. “Well, there’s a start.”